MoveOn's 'Lifelong Republican' One Sharp Trooper

Townhall Blogs ^ | 5/12/2008 | Michael M. Bates

[Mike Bates]

MoveOn.org sponsored a contest for the best 30-second pro-Barack Obama TV commercial. The winner, according to the Associated Press's article, "MoveOn ad features pro-Obama Republican," was an ad starring Air Force veteran John Weiler. The spot includes Mr. Weiler, whose military service is to be commended, saying "I've been a Republican since before I could actually vote." Not only that: "I'm a lifelong Republican and I'm voting for Barack Obama."

I don't know if Mr. Weiler is a lifelong Republican as he claims. I do know that if the Associated Press is accurate in its reporting, he must have been an extraordinary serviceman.

"He served in the Air Force from 1983 to 1989, leaving the service as a master sergeant," according to the AP. Is that not amazing? The Air Force Enlisted Promotions Fact Sheet shows promotion to Master Sergeant (E-7) requires eight years in the service. According to Military.com, "The average service wide active duty time for advancement to the rank of Master Sergeant is 17.06 years."

[ken21]

this election will generate a lot of cross overs—

democrats for mcccccain

and republicans for ‘bama.

[prognostigaator]

^

[KoRn]

Might be time to do some editing of that ad...

lol

[Diana in Wisconsin]

“I’m a lifelong Republican and I’m voting for Barack Obama.”

If this is the least little bit true, we are in a world of hurt.

However, I distrust the media in all way, shape and form, so I’m thinkin’ they found the one whole NUT in the can of Planters for this hit-piece. ;)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Oops! You found the nut, LOL! :)

[darkangel82]

A check of this guy’s voter registration will show that he is a Democrat, just like every other “Republican for Obama.”

[Mike Bates]

Might be time to do some editing of that ad...

I don't think the ad referenced his rank; the AP story did. And now - surprise, surprise - the AP story's been corrected to show his rank as staff sergeant.

[Rome2000]

The average service wide active duty time for advancement to the rank of Master Sergeant is 17.06 years."

Yeah but this guy was a "Lifelong Republican".

These minor league propagandists would make Goebbels chuckle.

[M203M4]

Master Sergeant in 5 years? BS.

Staff Sergeant (E5 in the USAF) can be done in 5 years.

[Rome2000]

If this is the least little bit true

It's not what he was but what he is.

An idiot and embarrassment to his fellow service members.

[Mike Bates]

These minor league propagandists would make Goebbels chuckle.

And that would probably take a lot!

[roses of sharon]

this election will generate a lot of cross overs—

Nonsense, EVERY election has hundreds of articles and "news" reports with faux Republicans voting for the Dim.

[ken21]

“all of the above” are true.

but as soon as mccccccccain speaks at la raza,

lots of voters are goin’ weird.

[ought-six]

His total commitment was six years: Four years active duty and two years inactive reserve. Thus, he would have us believe he made E-7 in four years? Impossible. He’d be lucky if he made E-4 in four.

[ought-six]

“He’d be lucky if he made E-4 in four.”

I meant, E-5 in four.

[taxcontrol]

Title needs correction. A trooper is a member of a Cav Squadron. He was an Airman

[ought-six]

“And now - surprise, surprise - the AP story’s been corrected to show his rank as staff sergeant.”

That I can believe. My brother made E-5 (Staff Sergeant) in four years. I only made it to E-4 (plain old “Buck” Sergeant in those days).

[Travis McGee]

USAF ping.

[Squantos]

Not a USAF story ....a voter who was in the USAF for one tour gone bad story.