The media smells blood in the water. I think they may actually feel guilty for being in the tank for him last time. Also, I sense that many who supported him are very disappointed in him, I think they are PO'd that he squandered his time in office with a dem majority in both houses.
Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit) calls it a “preference cascade”.
Kind of like what happens when the kid blurts out that the Emperor is wearing no clothes.
Up to that point lots of folks are already thinking it, but they each think they are alone in thinking it, and so they don’t say anything for fear of being ostracized.
Once people know that others agree, they pile on in a hurry. They certainly don’t want to be last to arrive at the new popular position.
This is what is happening now with respect to Obama.
No they don't. They would need a conscience for that to happen. They will want to hedge their bets somewhat as events develop, just to keep up a facade of credibility. Nobody wants to be the last bear dancing when the music stops.