Good points, good questions.
I would add that the press also knows who Desiree and Medea are. To imagine that these misfits go unnoticed hiding out in the midst of press is nonsense. They’re being given safe haven; if not out of sympathy for the cause, then for more “exciting” footage.
Accusing the Secret Service of sympathy to their cause or of wanting excitement at an event - isn’t that what you’re suggesting? - seems a bit much.
There’s got to be another reason these people aren’t being cracked down on ahead of time before they can go crazy at an event.
President Bush mentioned freedom of speech being what America is all about. Maybe the SS is determined to make that point as long as they know these people and think they can control them.
But the problem is, one of them or a terrorist could abuse the ruse they are using to get in, in order to assassinate the President.
You bet.