Why Dems Shouldn't Panic about Biden's Polls

Much of the discussion of the President's poll numbers lacks context

Later today, Joe Biden will announce that he is running for reelection.

This is not a shock In recent weeks, he told NBC’s Al Roker "“I plan on running, Al, but we’re not prepared to announce it yet.” Biden told reporters traveling with him in Ireland t“We’ll announce it relatively soon.” The New York Times had a detailed piece on the work Biden’s team is doing to prepare for this seemingly inevitable announcement. Per the NYT, the campaign could kick off any day (or not).

Politico kicked off the prognostication around the pending Biden campaign with a recent story headlined, “Biden’s poll numbers look grim as he preps for reelection bid.” In the analysis Steve Shepherd wrote:

A deep dive into the numbers reveals Biden isn’t just struggling with independents and near-unanimous disapproval among Republicans. He’s also soft among Democrats and left-leaning demographic groups, a weakness that suggests a diminished enthusiasm for his candidacy.

Are the polls really this “grim?” How should Democrats think about Biden’s prospects he prepares for reelection?

Putting aside the question of accuracy, polling should only be analyzed in context — something that is very much missing from the handwringing about Biden’s numbers.