Actually I don't think the national security is so much worse on TV as the terrorists have superhuman powers and technology.
Its a sad state of affairs when the Secret Service fails to secure the massive tunnel that runs right to the White House but an African warlord (with the training of a Navy Seal and equipment of James Bond apparently) can just waltz right in. (there is no rail or shipyard on the south side of the Potomac. That's where THE PENTAGON IS) And there goes the Park Police!
Last year its an underground attack on CTU. This year the White House. Oh well, this is going to be some awesome action!!
"People who stand by, might as well help them plant the bomb." Man this episode has an unusuallly high content for great lines!!