Would-be “president of joy” Kamala Harris has had the wind at her back since stepping in for Joe Biden as the Democrats’ choice for the White House. The Vice President’s campaign has been marked by momentum and cheers from the usual suspects. Harris was even declared a “total badass” by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

So why does the “total badass,” much-hyped Harris need an emotional-support companion for her first formal interview since declaring her candidacy?

Harris apparently thought her interview on CNN tonight at 9 was a “plus-one” situation, and she’s bringing her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and making it a joint venture.

She’s been dragged for the move, including by a CNN critic:

“I think it’s incredibly weak, weak sauce, to show up with your running mate,” CNN contributor Scott Jennings, a former special assistant to President George W. Bush, said on the air. He added that Harris had a “troubling lack of confidence in her political ability.”

Harris’s lack of confidence is baffling, given her cheerleaders in the Democratic Party and the press. Unless, of course, she doesn’t believe her own hype. And if she doesn’t, why should anyone else?

The president of the United States is a standalone job. Yes, there’s the vice president and cabinet and Congress, but when the going gets tough, the American people need to know there’s a strong leader in Washington.

Recall George W. Bush with that bullhorn at the site of the collapsed Twin Towers after 9/11. He spoke as the leader of the country, but also as the leader of the free world, vowing justice for the despicable acts of terrorism committed that day.

Vice President Dick Cheney wasn’t there as a sidekick, Bush didn’t need one and no one would expect him to.

It was a powerful moment, symbolic of the unity, spirit and resolve of the United States. Bush spoke for America, and the world listened.

The world is always listening, and a “weak sauce” president would be concerning to foreign allies, and welcome to those who would do us harm.

“It makes you wonder as a voter, ‘What kind of president would you be?’” Jennings said.

Whoever Harris’ handlers are, they’re allowing her to shoot her campaign in the foot with a two-for-one interview on CNN. Yes, she has a history of serving word salads and thought souffles with abandon.

Remember the 2021 interview with Lester Holt of “NBC Nightly News” in which Harris defended her decision to not visit our southern border — despite a surge in illegal immigrants. “And I haven’t been to Europe. And I mean, I don’t understand the point that you’re making.”

SMH.

If Harris hasn’t learned anything about the political game since then, and it doesn’t appear that she has, then this is where strategists and coaches come in. Harris should have been training as if she were trying for a spot on the Olympic team. That kind of hard work is different from showing up and smiling and riding the “rollercoaster” of emotions following Biden’s exit from the race.

She has a chance to surprise naysayers and show supporters that she has the chops for the job. But if Harris goes through with the buddy system for tonight’s CNN interview, she will fan the flames of doubt – at home and abroad.

Editorial cartoon by Steve Kelley (Creators Syndicate)