Topic: Andrew Kohut

Opinion: Take-away from US election: Obama's 'small' issues won big

There was no single grand message that was going to win over voters in 2012 – from President Obama or Mitt Romney. A big reason is because America is so diverse and divided, and will likely continue to be.

Election Day: Does Obama have the edge? (+video)

The final polls show President Obama with a slight lead. But Republicans show greater enthusiasm for turning out. So the race this Election Day is far from over.

Romney gains on Obama on foreign-policy issues, in time for next debate (+video)

Americans have a much-improved view of Mitt Romney's foreign-policy positions, but Obama still has the edge on which candidate would better handle international matters, a new poll shows. Monday's presidential debate is on foreign policy and national security.

Gas prices, not jobs stats, are key numbers for voters (+video)

Gas prices and grocery bills are more likely to sway voters than the monthly jobs report, economists and pollsters say. Gas prices are nearing $4 per gallon and could be key in deciding the presidential race.

Do the jobs numbers matter to voters?

Republicans and Democrats use the monthly jobs report as a campaign tool and journalists analyze the numbers and political consequences ceaselessly. But for voters, circumstances in their own lives are better indicators of economic recovery.

Cover Story Polling: a look inside the machinery of public opinion surveys

Polling: Behind the scenes at Gallup, interviewers and editors try to find out how Americans will vote on election day. With the media's dependence on public opinion statistics, news consumers must educate themselves about which surveys provide valuable data and why.

Rock star no more: why global opinion of Obama has deflated

A poll of global opinion finds that Obama's popularity has fallen – apparently because of disapproval of his drone-strike campaign. The drop in Arab countries is worse than in Europe. 

Obama's energy policy takes center stage as $4 gas prices loom

Obama's energy policy will be the subject of the president's three-stop tour starting Wednesday. He wants to deflect criticism that he's not doing enough to fight rising gas prices. 

Romney vs. Santorum: Why it's not a replay of Obama vs. Clinton

GOP leaders hoped a long primary season would engage voters and help build organization, just as it had for Barack Obama in 2008. They didn't count on how toxic the 2012 race would turn.

Mitt Romney tax return poses a challenge: how to talk about his wealth

With the release of the Mitt Romney tax return, which showed nothing illegal, the worst may be over for the candidate, but GOP analysts say he needs to develop a better message about his money.

Obama's lead in 2012 presidential election vanishes, poll finds

A new Pew poll finds that 41 percent favor President Obama in the presidential election, while 40 percent favor a generic Republican candidate. Earlier in the year, Mr. Obama had been ahead.

Independence Day blues? Americans sense a decline and look inward.

A poll on the eve of Independence Day confirms: More Americans see the nation as less powerful and more vulnerable. They want leaders to focus less on the world and more on challenges at home.

How Muslim world feels about Obama: disappointed

Ratings by the Muslim world for Obama and America went down in this year’s Pew Global Attitudes survey.

Report: What does Obama's global popularity bring the US?

At a Monitor Breakfast for reporters Thursday, Pew Research Center president Andrew Kohut, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and former senator John Danforth discussed a new report from the Pew Global Attitudes Project.

The Monitor's View: One president to bind them all

A year into his term as the first nonwhite US president, Obama has played down the issue of race relations. Jump-starting the economy is what will best serve Americans of all backgrounds.

Since Obama took office, blacks more upbeat about prospects

As Obama finishes his first year in office, a new poll from the Pew Research Center shows that blacks' views on their progress have improved more than at any time in the past 25 years.

Isolationism among Americans is at highest level in 40 years

Almost half say the United States should 'mind its own business,' a Pew survey shows. War-weariness and economic concerns are pushing isolationism to 40-year peak.

Global warming takes a toll on Arctic ecosystem

Latest scientific studies say that the Arctic is warming, causing dramatic shifts in the ecosystem.

New polls find Americans in a sour mood

Public likes local government, but Washington not so much

Sotomayor is sworn in, but the politics are far from over

It’s a dilemma for the GOP, particularly among Hispanic voters. But Democrats could feel a backlash if she’s perceived as too liberal.

New survey shows Obama more popular abroad than at home

Does Obama’s global popularity matter ?