Joe Biden has launched a PAC, a possible first step towards running in 2020. Setting aside the particulars of the candidate, is it wise to lay the groundwork this far in advance?

CNN has launched an article stating that Joe Biden may be making plans to run in 2020, roughly 3.5 years from now. According to sources named in the article, many of his staffers believe he is already planning a run for 2020. This mirrors the experience of the prior Democratic nominee, who was widely seen as a candidate for years before announcing iirc. That candidate was initially viewed very favorably at the same time in 2013, but eventually lost, arguably due to a smear campaign caused by her many years in the spotlight.

According to CNN, "Biden is wedging a block of wood in the 2020 door to make sure it stays open for him" by founding the American Possibilities PAC. Is it wise for a candidate in a two-party system to tip one's hand to the opposition years in advance? Or does starting this early pose a risk of allowing for opposition research and character attacks?