There’s a new poll from the World Public Opinion firm in Washington, D.C. that shows Barack Obama as the most trusted world leader. Here’s the heart of it:

An average of 61 percent express a lot or some confidence in Obama to do the right thing in world affairs, across the nineteen nations polled (excluding the US). Thirty-one percent say they have not too much or no confidence at all. In 13 nations, a majority or plurality has confidence in Obama; in five nations they do not; one nation is divided. A majority of the American public (70%) also expresses confidence in Obama in world affairs.

No other leader has the confidence of more than an average of 40 percent across the publics polled. For most leaders, more express a lack of confidence than express confidence.

“At this moment Obama occupies a unique position in the eyes of the world” observes Stephen J. Weber of WorldPublicOpinion.org. “His communication skills and the change he represents create an open door for him to engage people around the world.”

Just a slight warning about the firm. Clearly listed on its “Partners” page is the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. A quick Google search of that organization shows that First Lady Michelle Obama served on its board until her husband picked up steam in last year’s election. The current chairman is Lester Crown, a vocal supporter of Barack Obama. He also donated the maximum allowed to the campaign.

The Director of Research for the polling firm itself, Clay Ramsay, has appeared on Antiwar Radio. By the way, the polling firm’s supporters apparently include the: Rockefeller Foundation, Tides Foundation, Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, Oak Foundation, and the United States Institute of Peace.

Via HA.