On her Fox News show last night, Greta Van Susteren treated viewers to some of the least informative "czar" coverage yet seen in this manufactured controversy. She was stunned by a list of "czars" provided by Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), who, as I reported, demanded that czars submit themselves to congressional hearings before he even had a list of them.
I don't get this. I'm looking at the list — Afghanistan czar. Why isn't that Department of Defense or State Department? Border czar — why isn't that Homeland Security? California water czar — why isn't that Agriculture? Central region czar — why isn't that State Department? Domestic violence czar — why isn't that Justice? Drug czar — why isn't that DEA? Economic — why isn't that Labor?
Sigh.
The "Afghanistan czar" is actually Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke, who works for the State Department.
The "border czar" is actually Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Special Representative for Border Affairs Alan Bersin; as his full title suggests, he works for DHS.
The "California water czar" is actually Deputy Interior Secretary David Hayes — why Van Susteren thinks this would be a job for the Department of Agriculture, I have no idea.
The "central region czar" is actually Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for the Central Region Dennis Ross, who reports to the National Security Council.
The "domestic violence czar" is actually White House Adviser on Violence Against Women Lynn Rosenthal. And here, Van Susteren actually gets a point—Rosenthal works directly under the president.
The "drug czar" is actually Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske, who was confirmed by the Senate.
The "economic czar" is actually Chair of the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board Paul Volcker, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve.
This is the quality of research at Fox News.
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