Bristol Palin, Levi Johnston: Engaged Again! [UPDATE]

[UPDATE BELOW with Palin family statement] Is this yet another sign that Sarah Palin really is running in 2012? The former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate's daughter says she and Levi Johnston are engaged again. Bristol Palin, who has an 18-month-old son, Tripp, with Johnston and whose out-of-wedlock pregnancy became a 2008 campaign talking point and tabloid obsession (and RNC prop), told US Weekly, "We got engaged two weeks ago. It felt right, even though we don’t have the approval of our parents."

Yes, that's right—apparently the Palins and Johnston's parents had no clue those crazy kids were back together: "Bristol and Levi, 20 -- who famously called off their previous engagement two weeks after welcoming son Tripp in December 2008 -- tell Us Weekly they reconnected three months ago while working out a custody plan for their 18-month-old son." Johnston has trashtalked the Palins quite a bit, only to recently apologize publicly that he uttered "mistruths." The 20-year-old "Sex on Skates" and Playgirl centerfold said, "I really thought we were over. So when I went, I had no hope. I think we both just started talking — and then we took Tripp for a walk."

Bristol Palin added, "When he left that night, we didn’t hug or kiss, but I was thinking how different it was. He texted me: 'I miss you. I love you. I want to be with you again' ... I was in shock." She also said of the fact that her famous mother doesn't know, "It is intimidating and scary just to think about what her reaction is going to be. Hopefully she will jump on board." We await word from the Mama Grizzly.

Update: The Mama Grizzly has spoken, sorta: While all is quiet on Sarah Palin's Twitter and Facebook accounts, she and Todd released a statement:

"Bristol, at 19, is now a young adult. As parents we obviously want what is best for our children, but Bristol is ultimately in charge of determining what is best for her and her beautiful son.

Bristol believes in redemption and forgiveness to a degree most of us struggle to put in practice in our daily lives.

We pray that, as a couple, Bristol and Levi's relationship matures into one that will allow Tripp to grow up graced with two loving parents in his life."

Speaking of forgiveness, Bristol Palin told People that Johnston will have to work overtime to win Sarah's approval, "With her, his actions will have to speak louder than words. And he'll have to get his education and a job and be willing to support Tripp the right way. And then I think she'll come around." And the "right way" is "not just have him around when the cameras are around but be there all the time and have a legitimate job and be supportive financially and just set a good example for him."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on July 14, 2010 6:20 PM

Comments [rss]

Skitsnygg

This is news because. . .

r1b2

Yawn. Why, oh why, does this story appear here?

r1b2

Yawn. Why, oh why, does this story appear here?

not from here

I pray for no such thing...stop wasting our and God's time...go away Palins

mlwdc

Please tell me what this post has to do with NYC.

Amalek

The press has done exhaustive work in exposing every aspect of the background of a woman who failed in her quest to become VP, exploring every nook and cranny of her background and current personal life, including the dating/marital choices of her teenage daughter. And yet we know so little about the background of the man who ran for, and became, President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama. (Remember Hilary Clinton's cryptic take on this -- that the press was failing to vet him?) I don't think I've ever read any exhaustive pieces on Obama anywhere such as Sarah Palin continues to attract, and certainly none that discussed his private life before winning election to the United States Senate. Why does the private life of citizen Sarah Palin continue to attract FAR more press scrutiny than the private life of Barack Hussen Obama? Shouldn't it be the other way around?

John L

You must be one of those "birthers" with those silly conspiracy theories.

But there's a few reasons for the phenomena you are describing. First and foremost, Barack Hussein Obama has written a few books which were best sellers, one of which was an AUTOBIOGRAPHY that explained his family, upbringing, etc.. He's even honest enough to talk about his own drug use, imagine that. Second, Mr. Obama has been in the public eye for quite a few years, especially since his incredible speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Third, Obama is really not that interesting or exciting, there's no scandals, no cheating, his daughters are still too young to be dating or getting pregnant. He's just a smart guy who with the help of scholarships was able to attend some of the best schools in the country. There's real not too much to talk about aside from his public policies but if you want a quick overview of his career, check wikipedia and if you are left wanting more I recommend that you read his autobiography.

The Palins on the other hand are publicity whores who are actively trying to stay relevant through numerous publicity stunts. Sarah Palin doesn't have anything really substantial to say but makes up for it by saying the most outrageous things she can in hopes that the media keeps extending her 15 minutes by replaying her sound bites. Her daughter Bristol is trying to be a public speaker, actress, role model, lobbyist, and now reality TV star, anything other than actually working a real job or going to college. So every once in a while Bristol uses her deadbeat baby daddy, and releases a press release about him to keep the media talking about her or them, so she too can extend her 15 minutes. The reality show is coming soon. It's pitiful.

The short answer is Obama is pretty boring by the media's standards, while the Palins are much more exciting in a Jerry Springer or Maury Povich kind of way.

Amalek

Yeah, after just two years as a senator, he wrote two (!) autobiographies, but there is a huge difference between a self-interested party writing an autobiography and having a ravenous pack of professional journalists digging and digging as they have with respect to Sarah Palin, her background and her family. I know just about everything about her, more than I want to, but not much about Obama. And no, I am not a "birther" -- I've seen the birth notice that appeared in a Hawaii newspaper shortly after his birth, which appears to put the issue to rest -- but has anyone seen his school records? Why has he insisted that these not be released to the public, but that they continue to be held in the strictest secrecy? One cannot help but wonder what interesting facts not set forth in Obamas two autobiographies an energetic press corp might discover if it had access to them.

John L

As much as FOX News and the other nuts in the media want to destroy Obama you can bet that if there was something they would have found it by now. I think part of the problem is that they can't find anything so in their desperation all they resort to is calling him a socialist or Hitler, or whatever other silly stupid name they can come up with.

But I think you're confusing the media coverage of various scandals and investigations involving Sarah Palin's time in office with some kind of witch hunt.

About his school records. who cares? What do you want to know if he failed third grade math? He graduated from an American high school and went to Columbia then Harvard, on scholarships, and graduated with honors. Then instead of taking a high paying job in the business world he went back to help his community as a community organizer. That's all the credentials he needs to be president in my eyes. A smart, hard working American who selflessly gave up the opportunity to make millions to help the less fortunate in his community.

Mordicai

OMG YOU ARE RIGHT SARAH PALIN IS A SECRET KENYAN HATE MUSLIM!!!!!!!!!

djchaser

Re: Needing to get a real job to win Sarah's approval: Someone remind me again what exactly Sarah does?

Mordicai

Oh DIP. Maybe he just needs to GET a job. He can quit after that.

YELLOWFOOT

is it just me or does she look like she's 40.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

Damn, is this what abstinence does to people?

justthinkin

If Bristol Palin married John Mayer, would their kids be pills?

jaycjay

Oh, no doubt. And it has nothing to do with their names.

jaycjay

You guys clicking through and posting comments saying you don't want to read this stuff... too funny.

See those "tags" under the article? I guarantee Gothamist tracks how many pageviews, comments, and recommendations are connected to each tag. Click through and comment on a post tagged "BRISTOL PALIN, LEVI JOHNSTON, SARAH PALIN, TRIPP JOHNSTON" and you can only expect to have more opportunities to do so again.

inoyourider

Please, STOP!

NannyState

MORE! MORE! Tell me MORE about these people! I want to know even MORE about them, everything about their every move! I can't get enough, I have to have MORE!!