Why is the media protecting Rumsfeld?

Bush and Rumsfeld have lied to the media over and over. Yet, the media continue to treat with him with an undue amount of veneration. We saw that last weekend following the Colbert routine. And we saw it again yesterday with Rumsfeld.

AP's article about the meeting in Atlanta yesterday referred to the people who challenged Rumsfeld as "unusually hostile."

Think Progress has a post on Paula Zahn's interview last night with Ray McGovern where she defended Rumsfeld.

The American people are way ahead of the media when it comes to the lies and deceit of the Bush Administration. Yet, the press still treats Bush and his team with kid gloves.