Leaders

As the U.S. explores a Russian plan for securing Syria's chemical weapons arsenal, it does so at a time when the American public is skeptical about Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin.

The presidency may well be a “bully pulpit,” in Theodore Roosevelt’s original sense, a position that commands attention. But as President Barack Obama prepares to address the nation Tuesday in support of taking military action against Syria, there’s little evidence (at least in recent times) that presidential speeches are very effective at moving the needle […]

Overview Over just the past week, the share of Americans who oppose U.S. airstrikes in Syria has surged 15 points, from 48% to 63%, as many who were undecided about the issue have turned against military action. By contrast, the share of Americans who support airstrikes remains virtually unchanged: Just 28% favor U.S. military airstrikes […]

By Andrew Kohut As President Obama heads to the G20 summit in St. Petersburg this week he remains the most popular world leader. Ordinary citizens in most countries, with some notable exceptions, say they have confidence in him to do the right thing in world affairs and many generally approve of his policies. But over […]

The Republicans may have a new, younger guard to choose from in seeking the White House in 2016, but with ideological divisions in the party about policy, the GOP faces challenges in winning over younger voters.

The favorability ratings of Rand Paul and Chris Christie vary among Republican voters when viewed through the filter of those who approve of the NSA's surveillance program and those who do not.

In the fifth year of the Obama presidency, the United States’ image remains strong around the world compared with the last years of the administration of President George W. Bush. Still, pro-America sentiment is slipping.

As President Obama prepares to make a "major" speech on the economy today, our past reports describe the challenges the middle class has faced in the past decades.