McCain's advisors have cautioned that joint appearances with prominent vice presidential contenders should not be interpreted as auditions. For his part, the candidate would not comment on whether he was considering Romney or Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. -- but he lavished praise on both.
Gesturing to Romney, McCain noted his former rival's leadership at Bain Capital, which he called "one of most successful enterprises in America."
"He came to a very liberal state [Massachusetts] and campaigned as a conservative and governed as a conservative," McCain said. "He ran a very effective campaign for president of the United States."
McCain also said Huntsman was "enormously qualified."
"I know of no two people I'd rather spend time with, not only because of their friendship, but because I learn a great deal from both of them," McCain said.
When asked later on the campaign plane about the possibility of being on the GOP ticket, Romney said: "I can think of probably 20 names of people who I think could be excellent vice presidential nominees from our party, and that's a process [McCain] will carry out."
During a nearly hourlong flight from Salt Lake City to Denver, McCain and Romney settled into a pair of leather seats to talk over turkey sandwiches.
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'That's normal'
Asked by reporters whether they had ever apologized to each other for the things they had said as competitors, neither man cracked a smile.
"Look, we had spirited discussions, but I believe it was always very respectful," McCain said. "Of course, we had differences -- that's normal."
In discussing the bitter attacks between Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, Romney said: "I personally feel that in the final analysis, all of the to and fro of a campaign is brushed aside in the mind of the voters as they think about what is going to be best for their future."
For now, he said, he was glad to return to the campaign trail.
"It's nice not to feel any pressure at all -- I don't have to worry about goofing up," Romney said. "I can just stand behind our nominee and do my very best to support his campaign."
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maeve.reston@latimes.com
