Editor 's note : Paul Begala , a Democratic strategist and CNN political contributor , was a political consultant for Bill Clinton 's presidential campaign in 1992 and was counselor to Clinton in the White House . Begala is not a paid political consultant for any politicians or candidates . Click here for a rival view . Paul Begala says McCain 's VP choice , Alaska Gov . Sarah Palin , is completely unqualified to be president . ( CNN ) -- John McCain needs what Kinky Friedman calls `` a checkup from the neck up . '' In choosing Alaska Gov . Sarah Palin to be his running mate , he is not thinking `` outside the box , '' as some have said . More like out of his mind . Palin a first-term governor of a state with more reindeer than people , will have to put on a few pounds just to be a lightweight . Her personal story is impressive : former fisherman , mother of five . But that hardly qualifies her to be a heartbeat away from the presidency . For a man who is 72 years old and has had four bouts with cancer to have chosen someone so completely unqualified to become president is shockingly irresponsible . Suddenly , McCain 's age and health become central issues in the campaign , as does his judgment . In choosing this featherweight , McCain passed over Tom Ridge , a decorated combat hero , a Cabinet secretary and the former two-term governor of the large , complex state of Pennsylvania . iReport.com : 'McCain pick might be a gimmick ' He passed over Mitt Romney , who ran a big state , Massachusetts ; a big company , Bain Capital ; and a big event , the Olympics . He passed over Kay Bailey Hutchison , the Texas senator who is knowledgeable about the military , good on television and -- obviously -- a woman . He passed over Joe Lieberman , his best friend in the Senate and fellow Iraq Kool-Aid drinker . He passed over former congressman , trade negotiator and budget director Rob Portman . And he also passed over Mike Huckabee , the governor of Arkansas . For months , the McCainiacs have said they will run on his judgment and experience . In his first presidential decision , John McCain has shown that he is willing to endanger his country , potentially leaving it in the hands of someone who simply has no business being a heartbeat away from the most powerful , complicated , difficult job in human history . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writer .
Begala : McCain 's only choice unqualified to be removed from the Senate . State of Alaska Gov . Sarah Palin is ` ` shockingly irresponsible , '' he said . Begala : choice makes McCain 's age , health , and family central issues .