Lots and lots of readers disagree profoundly with Begala — or my rendition of his argument. Let me defend the argument I think has merit rather than Begala himself. You can take that argument up with him. The point I was trying to make was simply this: The Democratic Party has decided, collectively, that Obama is qualified to be president. They are now making that case to the country. John McCain decided alone that Palin is qualified to be vice-president. As such, he bears the responsibility of that decision. If his judgment proves right, he’ll be in great shape. If his judgment proves shoddy, he’ll pay the price. Obama’s qualifications, or lack thereof, reflect on the judgment of the Democratic Party. Palin’s reflect on McCain. That is a huge difference.