Oathkeepers started in March 2009 when Obama was President. If Oathkeepers got its start here on Free Republic, there would be threads touting FR’s role in its creation between 2009 and 2016 when Trump was elected. So far I can’t find anything other than this thread giving FR any credit.
I thought it was weird as well but he said it (29 mins in).
Maybe they just met here and private messaged each other or something?
I haven’t a clue.
Thanks for digging into it.
I will remain doubtful until someone comes up with threads or posts to prove it.
I listened to the interview.
He didn't know when OK started. He said Free Republic Forum's'.
My observation is, a Freeper would just say "Free Republic". Maybe he meant a group of forums which were focused on freedom because in the next sentence he mentions former police officers and soldiers. I do not know who's a soldier or former police officer on this forum.
His use of "Free Republic" is as an adjective and not as a noun.