DANCING WITH THE CZARS…. How misleading has the right been with the attacks on “czars” in the Obama administration? Even David Brody, of Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network, said he’s been “researching this topic” and concluded that the rhetoric is “really misleading.” (via Right Wing Watch)
“[I]f you want to bring credibility to your argument you need to get your facts straight,” Brody said. “Conservative media outlets hurt themselves when the information they provide isn’t the total picture. It may play well with Obama’s staunch critics but doesn’t the full truth matter?
Is that a rhetorical question?
Brody is, all kidding aside, completely right about this. He specifically called out Fox News for misleading reports, and the Republican network has been covering this “story” in the most ridiculous way possible. The DNC put together this short video, noting Glenn Beck complaining bitterly about some of Obama’s “czars,” all of whom are filling offices created by George W. Bush. Beck only became incensed over this when the presidency changed parties.
“With apologies to Tom DeLay, and despite the railing you’re hearing from the Republican caucus room and Fox News, the GOP has been ‘dancing with czars’ for a very long time. The unmitigated hypocrisy of these attacks not only speaks to the credibility of this manufactured controversy, but to the inability of the Republican party to say no to the marching orders doled out by Glenn Beck and the far right’s noise machine,” said DNC National Press Secretary Hari Sevugan.
Fox News’ claims are, however, getting more audacious. The Washington Post reported yesterday that Bush had “36 czar positions filled by 46 people during his eight years as president.” Fox News, reporting on the Post article, said the newspaper had found 16 “czars” in the Bush administration.
The network had one of the digits right, but that’s not exactly reassuring.
