On the campaign trail: No replay needed on NFL refs deal

(CNN) -- President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney agree: the agreement between the NFL and the officials' union is no botched call.

The two candidates commented on the matter Tuesday, after an announcement by the NFL and NFL Referees Association early Thursday morning that an eight-year deal had been reached and that league's regular officials would call Thursday evening's game.

After a speech in Springfield, Virginia, the Republican presidential nominee appeared to be behind on the news. He was shaking hands with supporters and was asked about the officials' impending return.

"I sure hope they do," he said.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said "it's a great day for America."

"The President is very pleased that the two sides have come together to resolve their differences and ensure that going forward, when we watch our favorite teams play in the NFL, we can focus on the players and the game rather than on the officiating," he said.

On Tuesday, Obama had said "I've been saying for months, we've gotta get our refs back."

And in his Tuesday interview with CNN National Political Correspondent Jim Acosta, Romney said "I'd sure like to see some experienced referees with NFL experience come back out on the NFL playing fields."

Romney's running mate, Paul Ryan, is an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and raised the issue in Ohio at a town hall meeting on Tuesday.

"Did you guys watch that Packers game last night? I mean, give me a break. It is time to get the real refs," Ryan said . "And you know what, it reminds me of President Obama and the economy. If you can't get it right, it's time to get out."

The officials' union planned to meet Friday and Saturday for a ratification vote on the deal, which would end a months-long lockout.