"There will be plenty of time to consider whether to run for president again," the Arizona Republican said. "But certainly I don't think it's in any way appropriate for me to speculate on that at this time."

McCain, who will by 72 in four years, said he didn't expect his age to be a major obstacle to a prospective presidential run.

"I have a wonderful mother who is 92," he told NBC. "Maybe I could use her as an example."

A recent Gallup poll of possible GOP presidential candidates shows McCain tied for the lead with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, with each garnering 10 percent support.

In a head-to-head match-up with expected Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, McCain would win 53 percent to 37 percent, according to a Fox News Dynamics Poll.

The media-friendly Republican said he'd decide whether to make the run by 2006.

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