Romney laughs off questions of VP potential

 

Watch part of Romney's interview with Wolf Blitzer.

(CNN)—Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney laughed off questions about his vice presidential potential Wednesday.

“With regards to all the people that think I might be on some kind of shortlist, the only one that really counts in my regard is John McCain,” Romney told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. “I don’t think he’s told anybody what his thinking is.”

The former Massachusetts governor continued to downplay his chances of joining the GOP ticket. “I don’t want to engage in any speculation with regards to the VP sweepstakes,” he said. “I expect to support the administration and the McCain team. I don’t expect to be part of it.”

Election Center: Who's on McCain's VP list?

In recent months, Romney has been a constant presence on the airwaves as a surrogate for John McCain’s campaign, often serving as a tough critic of presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama.

“People recognize they need new leadership, strong leadership,” Romney told CNN last month. “Not somebody who is consistently putting himself and his party ahead of the interests of the nation.”

Earlier this week, McCain praised Romney’s support of his own presidential bid, adding fuel to the mounting VP speculation.

“I’m appreciative every time I see Mitt on television on my behalf,” McCain said at a fundraising event in New Mexico. “He does a better job for me than he did for himself, as a matter of fact.”

On Wednesday, Romney agreed. “The campaigning I did for myself resulted in a loss,” Romney said, laughing. “I don’t want to hurt [McCain], I want to help him.”

Watch the full interview with Mitt Romney during The Situation Room 4pm E.T.