Manny Pacquiao: Is He More Popular Worldwide Than Barack Obama?
Boxing's pound-for-pound world champ will be meeting America's Commander-in-Chief.
Manny Pacquiao is set to meet with President Barack Obama next Tuesday to discuss possibilities for aid for the province he represents as a Congressman in the Philippines.
"I've long dreamed of meeting U.S. President Obama," Pacquiao told PhilStar.com. "I will never forget this because I admire him very much."
It is an interesting meeting between two larger-than-life figures, which brings up the question: Could Manny be more popular worldwide than President Obama?
Keep in mind, I'm not saying more well-known. That's a ridiculous discussion and popularity is a completely different subject.
It's an interesting and challenging topic. I'll be attempting to remain apolitical, and any references will remain factual.
But, here are five reasons why Pacquiao is more popular than President Obama and five reasons why he's not:
Reason No. 5 He Is: Must-See TV
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In the Philippines, it's been widely reported that the country will shut down whenever Pacquiao fights.
In America, it's common for many to change the channel whenever Obama has a press conference or is giving the State of the Union Address.
Reason No. 5 He's Not: Crossover Appeal
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Boxing has become a niche sport and doesn't have the power it did back in the early 1990s when Mike Tyson was in his prime. If you took Tyson then, and put him against Obama now, you could seriously argue that the champ's worldwide popularity was far greater.
In this case, though, Obama has crossover appeal beyond politics and has been featured in everything from US Weekly, to People, MTV, SportsCenter and The View.
Reason No. 4 He Is: Nowhere Near the Same Opposition
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Yes, there are many who will argue that Pacquiao uses performance-enhancing drugs, citing his continued denials to agree to blood testing two weeks before a potential mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The size of that opposition is paltry, however, when you consider that Obama has to deal with the "Birthers," Tea Party members, many on the religious right and conservative broadcasters.
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Reason No. 4 He's Not: A Different Kind of Feeling
4 of 11Both are worshipped like heroes, but Obama has caused some reporters to utter things that I'd never say in public...or to my own parents.
Reason No. 3 He Is: Sports and Politics
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Manny Pacquiao is boxing's cash cow right now, and his upcoming fight with Shane Mosley on May 7 is already near a sellout, according to published reports. He also garnered tons of support last year when he secured a landslide victory to become a first-time Congressman in his country.
Obama may have the edge when it comes to pop culture, but when it comes to sports and politics, Pacquiao can hold his own.
Reason No. 3 He's Not: Oprah
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Manny Pacquiao can't even be on the same playing field with Barack Obama, who's had longtime support from Oprah Winfrey.
Winfrey's reach extends beyond her talk show into magazines, books (Oprah's Book Club), charity, health and fitness, movies and TV production. She's a celebrity and the leader of a business empire.
Saying Pacquiao is more popular then Obama is like saying that a garage band has a bigger following than U2.
Reason No. 2 He Is: Economic Impact
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Pacquiao has given boxing a boost when it's lost much of its following to UFC and still lacks a dominant American heavyweight.
Since Obama took office two years ago, The Weekly Standard reports that he's increased the nation's debt by $3.445 trillion. Under former President George W. Bush, the website states the nation's debt nearly doubled in eight years, adding that it rose by an average of $607 billion per year under Bush and $1.723 trillion per year under Obama.
Reason No. 2 He's Not: Unmatched Inspiration
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Obama has inspired art, music and already has a school named after him in Dallas.
That's pretty impressive, regardless of your political affiliation.
Reason No. 1 He Is: One Less Problem
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Manny prevails in the popularity contest simply because he can avoid the barrage from broadcasters who discuss the President on a daily basis.
I have a feeling that Obama would love to be in Pacquiao's shoes.
Reason No. 1 He's Not: Songs Of Praise
10 of 11I could be way off, but something tells me children aren't singing songs about Pacquiao in the Philippines, or reciting messages he's delivered.
Conclusion
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This is a tough call because there are a lot of gray areas.
Both Pacquiao and Obama are thought of as heroes. Though Manny is not criticized quite so much and his popularity extends into the world of sports, I would say that Obama has the edge because, as President, he is the most powerful man on the planet.
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