I agree that performing for the troops is always a good thing but travelling with 0 is an endorsement IMO.
And your opinion may be right. I don’t see it that way.
In this instance I see Paisley serving the office rather than this president. Paisley traveled to perform for the troops. He did so from the vantage point of being a guest of the presidency. Does that cause the troops to feel more, or perhaps less honored? I don’t honestly know?
I believe they appreciated the performance. I doubt they thought kind thoughts about bath-house Barry, but who knows.