Everything with these people is PR, fooling most of the people most of the time, moreover, telling outrageous lies to infidels is sanctioned in mohammedanism, the taquiya.
My comment is based on my feeling that he believes, like the Emperor in regards to his new suit, that what he says is true. There is no doubt in my mind that this man is narcissistic enough to believe his own words.
Bingo.
I think you've identified it.