"If this was a kid in a Democratic administration, the only thing newsworthy about the story would be that he was actually fired for lying. And even then, the New York Times wouldn't give a damn enough to cover it."
Bingo. As is your comment that these kind of spurious appointments follow any administration; there are always some party hacks who get shoved into some spot they aren't qualified for. I've seen this in city government many times, and it rarely makes the news.
If this resume padding, college dropout, Republican Party activist had been appointed in the Clinton administration:
1. Congress would be holding televised hearings now.
2. Fox news and CNN would have the event in screaming headlines, with streamers about it at least every half-hour for several weeks afterwards.
3. Every television and radio network would have at least a 45 second segment about the resignation for at least 3 consecutive days, on their prime time news.
4. Most Republicans would be calling the appointment an impeachable offense.
5. The story would be played up on local TV news in Pittsburgh as soon as our Super Bowl mania dies down a little bit.