OPINION

Eric Cantor's out, but White House says debt talks entering new phase

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The White House said Thursday that talks over a long-term deficit-reduction plan are "in abeyance" after Republican House leader Eric Cantor's decision to leave the negotiating table.

Briefing reporters on Air Force One as the president traveled to New York, Press Secretary Jay Carney described the latest developments as a transition to a new phase of talks, though he would not say if President Obama would play a more significant role, as Republicans are calling for.