Exclusive: Americans care most about this issue ...

Paige Fusco

Polls reflect an American electorate split over who should become the 47th president. So GZERO decided to dig deeper and partnered with Echelon Insights for some exclusive polling to find out what Americans think should be the first geopolitical priority for the next US president, regardless of who ends up in the Oval Office in January.

Our survey of 1,005 voters found that across the political spectrum, a majority of Americans believe the Israel-Gaza war is the most pressing issue for the White House, followed by the Ukraine-Russia war, US-China relations, and then climate change.

Interestingly, climate change was the second most pressing issue for Democrats, with 26% of respondents saying it should be the top priority. Meanwhile, among Republicans, only 5% of respondents answered it was the biggest issue. The Ukraine-Russia war, which Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to end within 24 hours of taking office, came in second among Republicans’ top priorities, at 24%, compared to third for Democrats, at 18%.

This could be a reflection that Republicans share Trump’s belief that immediate action needs to be taken to end the Ukraine war (even if that comes at the expense of Ukraine), whereas Democrats are more satisfied with the continuation of the current administration’s support for Kyiv.

We also polled Americans on who they trusted more to be alone in a room with Vladimir Putin and found that the responses were almost as equally divided as the polls on who should be the next president, as you can see below:

More from GZERO Media

- YouTube

What are the implications of the revisions to the nuclear doctrine that President Putin of Russia announced last week? What are the implications of the victory of the far-right forces in the Austrian elections? Carl Bildt, former prime minister of Sweden and co-chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations, shares his perspective on European politics from the Security Forum in Warsaw, Poland.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, October 1, 2024.
REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Iran on Tuesday night launched a massive wave of ballistic missiles at Israel, in apparent retaliation for Israel’s recent devastating strikes against Iran-backed proxies across the region.

- YouTube

Is the shadow war between Israel and Iran officially out in the open? On GZERO World, Ian Bremmer spoke with Iran’s Vice President of Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif on September 25, days before Nasrallah’s assassination and Iran’s missile response. Zarif, who served as Iran’s foreign minister until 2021, made it clear that Tehran had a right to defend itself and warned Iran could respond to Israel at any time.

With two months until the November election, a three-member majority of the State Election Board has tried to muscle through a series of election rule changes. The new rules alarm voting rights advocates who say additional requirements to verify vote counts could be used by Republican county election board members as a justification to refuse to certify results. Republicans say the rules are needed to ensure accuracy.
Arvin Temkar/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A trial began in Georgia on Tuesday that might have a direct impact on the outcome of the Nov. 5 presidential election.

FILE PHOTO: Myanmar's army chief General Min Aung Hlaing inspects troops during a parade to mark the 67th anniversary of Armed Forces Day in Myanmar's capital Naypyitaw March 27, 2012. The event commemorates the Burmese army's rising up against Japanese occupiers in 1945.
REUTERS/Soe Zeya/File Photo

On Tuesday, Myanmar’s ruling junta officially launched a census aimed at creating election rolls for a promised vote next year.

Last week, world leaders gathered in New York City for the 79th UN General Assembly to discuss progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith emphasized the role of AI in accelerating this progress, highlighting the importance of innovation, technology, and partnerships. Read our latest newsletter for key takeaways from a week of productive conversations and innovative ideas.

Walmart is fueling American jobs and strengthening communities by investing in local businesses. Athletic Brewing landed a deal with Walmart in 2021. Since then, co-founders Bill Shufelt and John Walker have hired more than 200 employees and built a150,000-square-foot brewery in Milford, CT. Athletic Brewing is one of many US-based suppliers working with Walmart. By 2030, the retailer is estimated to support the creation of over 750,000 US jobs by investing an additional $350 billion in products made, grown, or assembled in America. Learn more about Walmart’s commitment to US manufacturing.

- YouTube

Will there be political fallout in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene? What were the big takeaways from President Xi's speech celebrating the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China? As Japan's new Prime Minister assembles his government, how will he set himself apart from former PM Kishida? Ian Bremmer shares his insights on global politics this week on World In :60.