It’s not unusual for a candidate to run toward the middle after a primary, or to obfuscate his positions. But Libertarians are principled politicos, unafraid to stand up for their philosophy, no matter where the chips fall.

Or so we thought:

Paul, 47, an ophthalmologist by profession, says the kerfuffle has changed the way he campaigns. “After the primary, I really wanted to jump right into the national debate,” he says. His civil-rights remarks, he admits, “have made doing that a little more difficult.” However, “No one [in the GOP] is forcing me to do anything. I do exactly what I want, but I am also realistic about what it takes to run a campaign and get elected.” For instance, instead of calling for the elimination of many federal departments — as his father, Ron Paul, the libertarian Republican congressman and former presidential candidate, regularly does — Paul says he is trying to “nibble around the edges,” to “not be the person who says he will eliminate every department in the federal government. My dad freely will say that, that he would eliminate at least half of the departments, but he is just more forthright.”

Meet the new generation of Pragmatic Libertarians: Boldly lying through their teeth if that’s what it takes to win.

The Reeducation of Rand Paul [NRO]

Left: The latest in a series of educational billboards instructing the citizenry on the quality of their leadership.

Right: Oops!

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This week’s Us Weekly has the exclusive news that Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston are getting married.

The anti-Palin blogs of Alaska predicted this engagement two weeks ago, and have also predicted that there will be a subsequent announcement of a reality show featuring the young couple.

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Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Jake watches in glee as Charlie fucks the shit out of his latest girlfriend.

American Idol (Fox)
Semifinalists sing “Fuck tha Police” during NWA Tribute Nite.

30 Rock (NBC)
Jack tells that fucking cunt to shut the fuck up.

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California Sen. Gloria Romero (D-El Ay), with the backing of an asbestos awareness organization funded by asbestos attorneys, is sponsoring S.B. 624, a bill that would remove serpentine’s designation as California’s state rock.

And geologists, a usually mild-mannered bunch who only get riled up about whether the Hayward or San Andreas Fault is going to rupture first, and if the State Earthquake Map accurately reflects the risk of that fault east of Sandy Eggo sliding another 10 feet, are fighting back.

Geologists rock!

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Hilarity ensues when New York Post columnist Kirsten Powers is invited to race-bait the New Black Panther Party on Fox News — but forgets the script she was handed before the segment!

Megyn Kelly Flips Out At Fox Contributor In Effort To Push Faux Scandal About New Black Panther Party [ThinkProgress]

The World Cup has come to an end.

It was a great five weeks, and we’re all relieved that it’s coming to an end, for no other reason than increased productivity around our offices.

In the right-hand column, there is a poll where you can vote for the recipient of the Stinque Golden Vuvuzela for Hottest  Hottie of the World Cup.

In the words of LBJ, Vote Early, Vote Often.

Reminders of who the nominees are, listed in alphabetical order…

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