CHICAGO – Senator Barack Obama and his former Democratic presidential rival, John Edwards, held a private meeting today in North Carolina, aides confirmed.

Mr. Obama, who canceled an afternoon campaign trip to Wisconsin, flew to Chapel Hill, N.C., to meet with John and Elizabeth Edwards this morning. The meeting was quietly rescheduled after a session Monday with the two men was postponed because too much attention was being paid to it and camera crews were staking out Mr. Edwards’ home.

Since Mr. Edwards dropped out of the race late last month, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Obama have been talking periodically by telephone. Mr. Obama, as well as Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, are vigorously pursuing the endorsement of Mr. Edwards.

Associates of Mr. Edwards have said that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has paid more attention to the courtship of Mr. Edwards. She held a private meeting with him in North Carolina more than a week ago and associates of both Democrats said it appeared as though Mr. Edwards was leaning to Mrs. Clinton.

But Mr. Obama’s commanding victories in Virginia and Maryland last week, in addition to a string of primaries and caucuses one week earlier, may have changed the equation.

Bill Burton, a spokesman for Mr. Obama, confirmed today’s meeting. The Obama campaign had hoped to keep the session quiet, particularly if Mr. Edwards ultimately endorses Mrs. Clinton.

“Senator Obama visited this morning with John and Elizabeth Edwards at their home in Chapel Hill to discuss the state of the campaign and the pressing issues facing American families,” Mr. Burton said in a brief statement. He said he had no additional details.