April 26, 2008
Posted: 03:05 PM ET

From
Sen. Obama campaigned in Marion, Indiana Saturday.
Sen. Obama campaigned in Marion, Indiana Saturday.

ANDERSON, Indiana (CNN) – Sen. Barack Obama flat out denied any possibility that he would accept a debate with rival Sen. Hillary Clinton prior to the next big round of primaries.

Shortly after maintaining he isn't "ducking" debates, the Illinois senator admitted the two Democratic rivals are "not going to have debates between now and Indiana."

Voters in both Indiana and North Carolina will head to the polls May 6.

Obama's comments came in an interview with FOX News' Chris Wallace set to air Sunday. Wallace first asked Obama why he was ducking another one-on-one meeting.

"I'm not ducking one. We've had 21," Obama said. "We want to make sure we're talking to as many folks possible on the ground taking questions from voters."

Clinton has repeatedly called on Obama to meet for another debate since their last meeting in Philadelphia on April 16.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Indiana • North Carolina


martin   April 26th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

what a big baby.
why does someone who wants to be POTUS need to be protected, sheltered and handled with kid gloves. it is all so very pathetic. all the kool aid drinking obama supporters needto get a clue.
Remember last time we elected a pres who had little experience, claimed he was a uniter and needed help in debates, W! Hmmm, maybe we should learn from our mistakes. The pres needs a very large set of balls, it is clear Hillary has a bigger set than barack, now that is saying something.

Independent in IN   April 26th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

This is a really bad sign for a Presidential contender to be ducking a debate. Sounds like he knows he looks inexperienced compared with Sen Clinton.

It's very weak of a Presidential candidiate in a hotly contested primary to run away from a debate.

If Obama is scared of a few questions in a debate, how will he ever deal with the myriad of significant issues and questions a president faces on a daily basis.

I for one am not impressed at all with this debate avoidance by Obama.

Brian   April 26th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Interestingly, I had the opportunity to see both Hillary and Obama here in Columbus, OH before our primary.

After Hillary's rally, she lagged behind for close to a full hour talking to voters and signing autographs. After Obama's rally, he was gone within about 8.2 seconds. So much for him "talking with voters," eh?

gfhgrg   April 26th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Obama is not a BabY!
HE ROCKS!

Western Voter   April 26th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

As though these debates are worth anything anyway…give us a break. The last one was a watse of everyone's time. 21 is enough. Let's get this over and move on to Obama v. Mccain/Bush.

PHIL   April 26th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

I agree with Obama, after the way he was last treated who would. You guys forget that in a competitive game everyone is out to win at all cost. Clinton knows she is good at debating so she wants to debate. Obama is good with meeting people either one on one or by groups so he wants to do what is takes to win.
Obama has made the right call…

Sara Shamili   April 26th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

I think Obama has every right to chose not to debate with Hillary. He is not going to play her game. Most of the moderaters at debates are Hillary's people. It is enough with playing Republican politics on Obama. Who is Hillary going to choose this time to be the moderator? Perhaps Carl Rove? The more I listen to her, the more I am convinced that she is just another Republican candidate in a Democrat disguise. No wonder McCain is helping Hillary in attacking Obama because they want the only Democrat in the race be defeated and then when the general elections comes, there will be two Republicans to vote for which would be win win for them.

Perry   April 26th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Haha…

Clinton is desperate. "I want another debate, I want another debate!" Please, there were 21 and in the past few, I've learned nothing new whatsoever.

duck   April 26th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

he's ducking because he sinks when he has to think rather than deliver someone else's lofty rhetoric.

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