A pragmatic conservative

I call Ross Douthat a "yes but conservative".  He has a considered approach to politics rather than following an ideological checklist.  His analysis of Rand Paul's follow-through on Paul's Kentucky Republican primary upset is a great example of Douthat's thinking.  His column, "The Principles of Rand Paul", New York Times, 2010-05-24, has many wonderful, quotable statements.  I'll give you this teaser: "In an age of lockstep partisanship, there’s a lot to admire about this unusual constellation of ideas, and its sweeping critique of American politics as usual."