Playing to the Audience

If I were to hire an associate pastor tomorrow, should I look for one to "shore up" the weak parts of my pastoral abilities, adminstrative skills, or theology so that I can appeal to parts of my congregation that might not be so pleased with me? Or, would that be pandering to my constituency?

This analogy is not the best, but maybe it illustrates why I have never understood the "veep-stakes," - how the selection of the "right" vice presidential candidate is so crucial.

Don't get me wrong, the selection is important - I want someone selected that gives the assurance to me that the VP can fulfill the most important job description of that job - take charge if needed with a minimal interruption of the goals of the administration. Also, the quality of the person chosen and the manner of the selection reveals a lot about how the presidential candidate will exercise leadership.

But, those things aside, the blatant catering to our supposed interests and concerns just irritates me.