#It would not be a ‘total shock’ if the president dropped out of election race

‌Democratic congressman Dean Phillips has urged Mr Biden to pass the baton onto the next generation.

‌California governor, Gavin Newsom, has done little to dampen speculation that he is ready to run for the White House next year.

‌Much to the annoyance of Mr Biden’s supporters, 55-year-old Mr Newsom has raised his political profile in recent months openly sparring with Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who currently remains the likeliest challenger to Mr Trump for the Republican nomination.

‌Mr Newsom has also set up a political action committee “Campaign for Democracy”, a move which is often seen as heralding a White House run.

‌Supporters of Michigan governor, Gretchen Whitmer, 51, is reportedly being urged to throw her hat into the ring. And should Mr Biden decide against running, other candidates are likely to include Vice President Kamala Harris and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

‌On Sunday New Hampshire’s Republican governor, Chris Sununu, said there was a “good shot” that neither Mr Trump nor Mr Biden would be on the presidential ballot.

‌A fierce critic of Mr Trump, Mr Sununu has urged Republicans to unite behind one candidate to defeat the former president for the nomination.

‌“I think Trump can very much lose if they winnow it down to one on one,” he said on Meet the Press on Sunday.

‌“I think there’s a lot of issues that are going to come to bear with President Biden over the next year and a lot of opportunity for the Democrats to find another — another candidate.”