“...I’d have thought the MSM would have given her a free pass.”
I think the MSM was willing to give her a free pass as long as it looked like she was the only one who could beat the Republicans. The Dems want to win above all else, and are willing to compromise everything to do so. But now, with Hillary dropping in the polls, the Dem elites have a sneakin’ suspicion that she’s not the one who can go up against the Pubbies, and they’re preparing to take her down if necessary.
Also, remember there’s no love lost between the media elites and the Clintons. The MSM have been used and abused by the Clintons for almost 20 years now, and they’re getting tired of it. Hillary is controlling and abrupt with the press, refuses to answer unscripted questions, plants her minions in the audience, and in general, makes the media look like fools. And they don’t appreciate it one little bit.
In short, the media don’t think they need her anymore. They’d rather have someone else, and they think Obama or Edwards has at least as good, if not better, chance of winning the general election.
If she wins Iowa, the media will go back to being her butt boy in the interest of winning. But if she loses, all hell is going to break loose.
I believe the clintoons' historical remembrance will be more of a footnote to a tragic comedy that most dumbocrates will be eager to forget. Neither the hildabeast or the bent one has ever or will ever accomplish anything beneficial to the well being of the United States.