The White House session tonight was important, but perhaps an even more critical meeting for Speaker John Boehner took place earlier today in his Capitol office.

He met with a group of more than a dozen moderate Republicans, urging them to stick with him in what he acknowledged was an anxious and tense period during the government shutdown.

"Trust me," was the message relayed from Boehner, one lawmaker told ABC News.

No Shutdown Deal in Sight After White House Meeting

A new grand bargain - or the attempt at one - could be in the works. Or that's one plan in Boehner's strategy.

The speaker and other House Republicans increasingly believe a deal on the budget impasse should be joined with talks on raising the debt ceiling. It would give his side more leverage in the negotiations.

This was one topic of discussion at the White House tonight.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor hinted that some kind of compromise would ultimately happen from Republicans. "Americans believe, as do we, neither side gets everything," he told ABC News earlier today.

(Image Credit: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)