"It's most unlikely, I don't want to mislead you," Gore said. "But I don't completely rule it out."

He was asked about the possibility during a discussion with reporters about bipartisanship -- the campaign theme these days of Republican rival George W. Bush -- in which Gore said, "My natural instincts are to reach out and create bipartisan coalitions."

Gore has insisted on keeping silent about who will be No. 2 out of deference, he's said, to the candidates who will be vetted by former secretary of state Warren Christopher, who is heading up Gore's search.

But on a campaign flight from Boston to Washington, Gore, who ventured into the press cabin to trumpet his meeting with Republican Sen. John McCain earlier in the day, entertained an expansive musing about what he's looking for in a running mate.

He said he is forcing himself to get past what he called a natural "human instinct" to seek out someone like himself and he disagreed with grumblers in political circles who say the pool of obvious Democratic candidates -- particularly minorities and women -- is pretty shallow.

"You ask the question is the person the best person to take over as president would that become necessary," Gore said.

He discounted speculation that his choice would be affected by who Bush selects as a running mate. The Republicans National Convention where Bush and his running mate will be nominated comes two weeks before the Democrats convene on Aug. 14.

"The conventions are so close together that whether or not (my choice) is announced, it will be effectively made before then," Gore said.

As for the process, Gore said he has spoken with Christopher on how to proceed but "I have not given him a list of names."

Would McCain turn up on that list? "He will be supporting Bush," Gore replied. "That's no surprise to anybody but that doesn't mean he and I can't work together" on campaign finance reform and other issues.