You're an expert on German politics, then? Are you suggesting Frau Merkel does not have to deal with a hostile press?
I'm sure the German Press is hostile to Merkel on a lot of things. But on criticism of America and American policies, it sounds like Merkel and the German Press are on the same page.
You seem to be outraged that we don't give Merkel the benefit of the doubt. The damage done to US-German relations by Schroeder runs deep and won't be repaired soon. Me and a lot of conservative Americans like me are not giving any German the benefit of the doubt until there are some actions to back up words. This rather harsh position is based partly on lingering resentment over Schroeder's anti-American pact with the French, and partly on the growing realization that we really don't need European allies after all.