Let me add to your observations.
Another difference during the Clinton years was the ubiquitous presence of cabinet secretaries on the news and talk shows---constantly pushing his agenda (especially Rubin). These past few years I've seen Condi and Rummy occasionally. But I rarely see others.
You know what a BushBot I am. But I would be hard pressed to name more than a few of his cabinet---Rummy, Condi, Gonzales, Nicholson (just because yesterday was Vets Day). I admit I had to look up Paulson at Treasury. Where have they been? Why do we never see them or hear them making news?
Have you noticed this?
The reason you don't see them is the same reason we hardly ever see Jeff Sessions or Jim Inhofe on TV....they aren't invited. Why would you think that the media would be interested in letting someone who is accomplishing something on TV?
I know that we have had cabinet secretaries occasionally appearing here and it gets covered locally, but as far as the national media, we aren't going to get a break.