Tim Kaine is considered one of Hillary Clinton's best options for a running mate. | Getty Kaine: 'Nobody should ever say they're ready' to be president

Count Tim Kaine as one vice-presidential prospect who is not willing to declare himself ready for the responsibility of the presidency. And for the Virginia Democratic senator emerging as the top candidate on Hillary Clinton's shortlist, no one else should, either.

“You know what? Nobody should ever say they’re ready for that responsibility, because it is so, so huge,” Kaine told NBC News’ Chuck Todd in an excerpt of an interview set to air Sunday on “Meet the Press.”


Kaine’s words are a sharp contrast from another top contender, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who previously said she would be capable of stepping in as commander in chief.

“I know you don’t want the job, but do you believe you would be capable of stepping into that job and doing that job if you were ever called to do it?” Maddow asked on her June 9 show, after referring to comments from former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell expressing doubt about Warren’s qualifications.

Warren replied, without missing a beat, “Yes, I do.”

The Massachusetts senator will campaign with Clinton on Monday in Cincinnati.