By Paul Farhi, Published: May 14

It was an article of faith among conservatives before Senator Obama became President Obama, and it has persisted through his reelection: When it comes to the supposedly liberal mainstream media and the first African American Democratic president, it’s a veritable love fest.

The reality, at least among those who cover the president, has been quite a bit different. Reporters have grumbled for several years about being ignored, dismissed and even insulted by White House press officials. More than usual, the White House’s relationship with the press corps has been marked by simmering tension and even mutual contempt.

And now the temperature has been raised to a boil.