Gov. Kathy Hochul’s botch of the toll to drive into core Manhattan is so epic, you must wonder: Is she this bad at politics, or is she doing it on purpose?

Kathy Hochul, an unpopular governor who has never been mistaken for a skilled politician, has given the green light for congestion pricing in lower Manhattan, a plan that could be implemented as soon as Jan. 5.

Earlier this year, the governor had put on hold a planned toll hike that would have charged drivers $15 for entering the busiest parts of Manhattan, saying the fee was too high.