Does Caroline Kennedy have "fire in her belly" and does it matter?

According to a Fox News report: "Some have questioned whether she (Ms. Kennedy)would bring more than name recognition to the job.
U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman recently compared Kennedy's appeal to that of singer and actress Jennifer Lopez.
"I don't know what Caroline Kennedy's qualifications are except that she has name recognition, but so does J. Lo," he said. "I wouldn't make J. Lo the senator unless she proved she had great qualifications, but we haven't seen them yet."

Caroline Kennedy certainly has name recognition - it is not just that - she comes from a political dynasty, Bobby, John Jr. and Ted - she has her mother's style and grace and wit and is a formidable woman in her own right.

Some years ago Howard Dean's cousin, Peter Corroon was running for the seat of Salt Lake County Mayor in Utah. He was a political novice in many ways - I was one of his inner circle, working long hours on his campaign. Some questioned his lack of "fire in his belly" - at a campaign speech, he addressed those dissenters and told them passionately that he has a fire and that it is in his heart. Caroline Kennedy might not have the New York political connections, but she has her own brand of fire and politics - she will champion the causes that she has championed as a private attorney and citizen for decades, including children's issues and education.

To equate her with someone like a pop singer does a disservice to women everywhere - I am quite sure that such a comment would not have been made had a man decided to throw his hat into that ring, someone with name recognition.