The media tore into Howard Dean not because they're afraid he'd win. They tore into him because they wanted to see a tight race. Dean's lead was too commanding. Insanely tight race = better coverage and better ratings.
They don't care who wins. They care what scenario gives them better ad revenues. Same with Iraq. Same with Plame. Same with O'Neil. Same with every bullshit Scott Peterson OJ Michael Jackson Kobe crap sandwich they dish out every day.