Boxer Manny Pacquiao visits Reid, then on to White House

Eight-time world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao arrived in Washington on Tuesday morning accompanied by an army of supporters and journalists that would make any lawmaker jealous. Currently on a nationwide press tour to promote his May 7 title bout against "Sugar" Shane Mosely, the welterweight belt-holder and Filipino Congressman's busy agenda included a morning press conference with a beaming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and an afternoon stop to meet President Obama at the White House.

"Everyone knows how much I admire people who enter the ring, whether boxing or political," Reid said, adding that despite his amateur boxing pedigree he wouldn't be able to last more than five seconds against Pacquiao in the ring. He also declined to give Pacquiao any political advice. "He's done pretty well on his own," Reid noted.

Reid was similarly reluctant to share credit when asked if Pacquiao's appearance on his behalf just ahead of the November mid-term had been the key to putting him over the top against his Tea Party-backed opponent Sharon Angle. He paused for a moment before delivering his deadpan answer: "Sure."

For his part Pacquiao called this, his first trip to Washington, "an unforgettable moment in my life." He thanked the press for attending and said he is focused on spurring development in his home nation of Philippines.

Reid closed by noting that he usually doesn't bother President Obama, but he did on this occasion because he felt the importance of acknowledging the enthusiasm and support Pacquiao has garnered in the U.S., particularly among Filipino Americans.

Photo by Greg Nash