McCain keeps open prospect for 2004 White House run

Arizona Sen. John McCain-who this past weekend did not rule out another bid for the White House in 2004 if Texas Gov. George W. Bush is defeated in November-was all over Philadelphia Monday, keeping up a frenetic campaign-style pace on the opening day of the Republican National Convention.

McCain started the day with an interview on NBC's "Today" show, then spoke at a news conference with House GOP Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, R-Okla. -at which Watts and McCain announced a joint campaign tour of some key House districts where McCain ran strongly during this year's presidential primaries.

Next, McCain met with The Los Angeles Times editorial board before taping an interview with NBC's Brian Williams. After a quick stop for lunch, McCain reached out to youth voters at an MTV press conference, and then hosted a foreign policy forum put on by the International Republican Institute.

After preparing for his speech before the convention tonight, McCain did an interview with the comedian Jon Stewart, host of the Comedy Central's "Daily Show"-all before dinner.

Afterwards, McCain was back on the tube with NBC's Tom Brokaw and Tim Russert, as well as with CNN's Larry King. He also hosted a reception for his supporters Monday night at a Philadelphia restaurant. In contrast to most of the corporate-sponsored events connected with the convention, campaign finance reform advocate McCain paid for the bash with funds from his Straight Talk America PAC, the Associated Press reported.

McCain started today with an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America." He also addressed the Illinois delegation-at which he said low voter turnout is "the one thing that scares me" this November-and did an interview with CBS anchor Dan Rather. After meeting with the Washington Post editorial board, McCain will do an interview with PBS' Jim Lehrer. Then, he will brush up on tonight's speech some more and meet with the New Hampshire delegation before he finally delivers his address to the convention at 10:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, when Bush arrives at the convention, McCain will head to Washington for the day. McCain plans to return to Philadelphia Thursday for the conclusion of the convention and Bush's acceptance speech.