« Previous | Main | Next »

NC Debate Canceled

Share

April 21, 2008 3:25 PM

ABC News' Rick Klein Reports: A planned April 27 Democratic debate in North Carolina has been canceled by its sponsors, taking pressure off Sen. Barack Obama to commit to another forum with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

In making the announcement, the North Carolina Democratic Party on Monday blamed "time constraints and logistical issues associated with such a large, national event." And, in the wake of last week's ABC debate where Obama and Clinton tangled on a wide range of topics, state party officials also cited "growing concerns about what another debate would do to party unity" in announcing the decision.

Clinton had agreed to participate in the April 27 debate, which would have been broadcast on CBS. But Obama had declined to do so, saying after last week's debate that he wasn't sure another encounter was necessary.

"We've now had 21," Obama said. "I could deliver Senator Clinton’s lines. I'm sure she could deliver mine."

The decision seems likely to preclude CBS from hosting a primary debate; the network had wanted a forum where anchor Katie Couric could moderate. A CBS debate that was scheduled for December in Los Angeles was canceled because of the writers' strike.

Kerra Bolton, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina Democratic Party, said the tone of ABC's debate was one of the reasons state party leaders decided to call off the April 27 forum.

"It's been quite a long campaign season, and from the media reports there were just some questions about whether another debate would help Democrats tell their story, or just be the aftermath of the ABC debate," Bolton said.

She added that the party's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner -- to be held May 2 in Raleigh, N.C. -- will give Clinton and Obama a chance "to tell their story," at a venue that can accommodate up to 7,000 people.

UPDATE: The Clinton campaign released this statement in response, from North Carolina State Director Ace Smith:

"It is unfortunate that Senator Obama has chosen to brush off the people of North Carolina by flatly refusing to debate. But we are willing to move forward with another time and location for the debate so that he has no excuse for not participating. Unfortunately, it is becoming clear that Senator Obama simply does not believe that North Carolinians deserve the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about how they will fix our economy, bring our troops home and provide quality health care for every American."

April 21, 2008 in Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (80)

User Comments

Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.

Well, I guess he can only do debate on the ad which is about attacking Hillary or do the debate on his darling networks either CNN or MSNBC.

Posted by: crisis08 | Apr 21, 2008 4:42:23 PM

Honestly... read the response from the clinton camp. These guys are making a mockery of our democracy. Will they ever tell the truth. What about the fact that they did not respond to an earlier debate for a month and ended up, setting a new date? Did the Obama camp. release any memo to that effect?

I think Dean should show some leadership and bring this whole thing to an end.

Posted by: kanobi11 | Apr 21, 2008 4:43:57 PM

After the ABC debate, it would not be in Obama's best interests to give Clinton that much more free air time to see how low can we go.

Posted by: Gaias Child | Apr 21, 2008 4:45:56 PM

Kanobi11: April 19th was the first night of Passover - we know Obama doesn't care about Jewish voters watching, but Hillary does. Out of respect for her Jewish constituents, Hillary asked to move the date of the debate to another evening. Seems reasonable to most people. Would you have them schedule a debate say on Christmas? Hillary will debate 50 times if that's what it takes to show the American people that she will fight for them, stand up for them and she won't whine and cry "this is too hard", "we've had enough debates" because Hillary believes that Americans have a right to hear from their leaders, unlike Obama who holds us in contempt.

Posted by: calli | Apr 21, 2008 4:49:22 PM

He has got to be able to debate. McCain won't let him off the hook on that one.
He has got to be able to answer tough questions, whether they be big or small, tough or easy, when they effect his credibility as a President.
This is not how any great leader leads. NOT ONE.

Posted by: yael | Apr 21, 2008 4:51:03 PM

If he can't take questions from a media that is so in the tank for him and a jab from a fellow Democrat, GOOD LUCK winning in November when the media climbs out of its Trojan Horse and the Republican machine starts to bring up every unsavory item that the Clinton campaign hasn't wanted to touch. Only $100,000 of the Rezko money was every donated to charity ... what happened to the rest of it?

I guess the Democrats really don't like having a president in the Oval office!

Posted by: beebop | Apr 21, 2008 4:55:32 PM

What's this? Obama is afraid to debate? Where is this guy's backbone? Afraid of an ol lady, please..

Posted by: Tyrone Jenkins | Apr 21, 2008 4:56:19 PM

21 debates and Hillary had a rough time in all of them, but she keeps going.

1 debate and Obama got shaken up a little, and that's it no more debates they are a waste of time and he's tired lol

What a strong man for President lol

Posted by: SJ | Apr 21, 2008 4:56:29 PM

I think 21 debates is more than enough. What issues are left to talk about.

Posted by: lisa | Apr 21, 2008 4:58:59 PM

These debates won't accomplish anything. The people of North Carolina are just as tired of the bickering as everyone else. These statements from the Clinton campaign reek of BS.

Posted by: Executive | Apr 21, 2008 5:01:43 PM

IF that is the case and he becomes the nominee then be better not debate McCain, because we had months of hearing him, over and over so what else can he say then.

Posted by: SJ | Apr 21, 2008 5:03:09 PM

There is nothing special about Obama. He has memorized lines to the issues, same ole, same ole. Obama is getting old, fast. His image that he created for himself is like an role in a movie film. He cant answer tough questions, just repeat the same memorized lines with pauses in between. umm, anddd, sooo, ect. Watch him enough and you see there is nothing new that comes out of his mind about anything. He is no leader, has no solutions to problems, just speaches. My first que to this was questions about his Rev Wright. He told reporters he was giving a speach tomorrow. I dont want to hear a speach, I want answers to questions. This seems to be a down fall of his. Makes you think what real knowledge he has in his mind. His well crafted image is old news now. He has only had the advantage in the fact that many people didnt know anything about him. Now they are begining to learn, and they dont like him.

Posted by: mark | Apr 21, 2008 5:05:16 PM

OK America, here is another red flag from OBAMA. NO to another debate. He can't handle the tough questions of ABC, how can he handle the WHITE HOUSE? We must have accountablity for America!

Posted by: Darla | Apr 21, 2008 5:08:19 PM

I am sick of the debates between Hillary and Obama. I am hoping to see an Obama and McCain debate. I wonder if McCain would be able to hold his temper

Posted by: lisa | Apr 21, 2008 5:08:40 PM

And Obama wants to be president but can not do another debate? When things get difficult in the White House will he have other plans too? And some people want him to be the next president. Be careful what you wish for!!!!

Posted by: sharris | Apr 21, 2008 5:09:21 PM

It is clear to me that Obama and the DNC are afraid that more debates will further erode his aura. Hillary has been bashed and trashed in most of the debates and was asked some very stupid questions. Do you all remember the diamonds or pearls? How about the UFO question to Dennis Kucinich. All the present Obama supporters said nothing when it benefitted Obama but now that their chosen one performed horribly, it's time to attack the moderators. They are hypocrites, phonies and frauds just like their chosen one.

Posted by: tiffany | Apr 21, 2008 5:13:29 PM

Why debate when you can spend some more vacation time in the Virgin Islands? Campaigning is just too tough for cry baby obambi!!!

Posted by: rs | Apr 21, 2008 5:16:19 PM

It's just another "why cant I just eat my waffle?" moment from Obama, the media will no longer be able to ask him the heavy stuff. lol

Obama just has to many waffles in those debates and needs to take a time out lol lol

Posted by: SJ | Apr 21, 2008 5:18:36 PM

time constraints, my ###. obama got his clock cleaned in pennsylvania so he chickens out.

sort of like his "can't i just eat my waffle" answer when a reported today asked him a question about hamas.

chicken, chicken, chicken.

his chickens will come home to roost.

Posted by: so saddened | Apr 21, 2008 5:19:18 PM

rs, he took his family there for his kids spring break. What's wrong with spending time with your young children. Find something else to complain about

Posted by: lisa | Apr 21, 2008 5:19:48 PM

Post a comment