If By “Story Line” They Mean Unilaterally Appointing Someone Without Any Discernable Qualifications To Run The Largest School System In The Country And Not Bothering To Talk It Over With Anyone At All, Much Less The Key Stakeholders And Much Much Less The Constituents He Serves, Then I Think That Story Line Is Clear

Because I’m not sure what the other “story line” is . . . or maybe the “story line” is that the third term has gone to his head:

The uproar has frustrated City Hall aides, who feel as if they have lost control of the story line and who are looking for ways to beat back accusations that Ms. Black is unqualified, said an individual close to the process who requested anonymity for fear of upsetting the mayor.

Then there’s the old “financial peril” argument, which you’ll remember was the reason we’re in this third term in the first place. Nice to see that trope resurrected — I think we were all fatigued by “terrorism” and it’s important to find another ostensible reason to gin up a crisis:

To take office, Ms. Black, the chairwoman of Hearst Magazines, needs a waiver from the state to bypass rules requiring the chancellor to hold specific education credentials. Mr. Bloomberg plans to submit a letter to the state this week arguing that Ms. Black’s business acumen is needed in a time of financial peril.

The letter will be made public in an effort to dispel some of the unflattering depictions.

Mr. Bloomberg said Monday that he was confident the controversy would die down and that Ms. Black would receive a waiver. “This is a woman who is eminently qualified,” he said at a news conference.

1) “Business acumen” — yes, of course! — anyone who dramatically exceeds expectations with Food Network Magazine is, to use the mayor’s language, “eminently qualified” to continue the excellence that is the New York City school system.

2) “The letter will be made public” — how magnanimous of the mayor to allow for this crucial bit of transparency — see, he’s not so secretive!

3) “Eminently qualified” — note: not just “qualified,” but “eminently” so. Watch out for people who overuse exuberant adverbs; they’re usually bullshitting you.