The North Carolina Democratic Party canceled a presidential debate that was to take place in advance of the state's May 6, 2008 primary, citing financial and time constraints as well as fears that the event would resemble last week's ABC News debate, which drew criticism for its moderators' focus on scandals over policy.

The debate would have been the 22nd such meeting between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in the 2008 campaign. Sen. Clinton had committed to participating in the debate, but Sen. Obama had preferred more controlled format.