Unfortunately, both sides are guilty of this particular transgression. IIRC, both the GOP and Dem conventions a couple years back had designated "Protest" areas that were off the beaten path and well out of sight of the party faithful entering the various venues.

However--That this administration goes so far as to prepare a printed manual indicates just how little they care for the President's relationship with the public at large and panders only to the loyal and faithful base.

I happened to be watching the BBC on Tony Blair's last day as PM and was amazed at the "Questions from Parliament" session that took place. The simple fact that Blair stood there, listened to the questions from members of Parliament, and then gave reasonably straight answers stands in stark contrast to the standard no-response responses that US politicians give their consituencies and their peers. I have no doubt that there is some type of pecking order and political maneuvering required for an MP to ask a question, but still, they're being asked and answered. I wonder if Brits feel like they're better represented because of this....