The times have changed, the MSM no longer controls the news cycle.
Well, maybe, but the attacks need to be well-coordinated and targeted. The Clintons have repeatedly benefited from attacks that went too far (conspiracy theories about murder for hire, sexual harassment victims that seem to be out for a profit), and manipulated the public "backlash" against the attacks to their own advantage. Remember the 1998 midterm elections?
The Clintons are a lot smarter and more manipulative than John Kerry.