America's Best Leaders

Podcast: John Barrasso

Kennedy Inspired Move to the Senate

The Wyoming senator will never forget Kennedy's inaugural address.

Podcast: Regina Benjamin

Leading the Fight Against Obesity

The surgeon general talks about the broad federal fight.

Podcast: Warren Bennis

Collaboration, Democracy Go Hand in Hand

Freedom and the spirit of inquiry are U.S. strengths.

Podcast: Carol Browner

U.S. Needs a National Energy Policy

Climate czar says businesses need clear energy standards to compete in the global market.

• Watch an Exclusive Interview With Carol Browner

Podcast: Anna Burger

Unions Owe it to the Middle Class

The SEIU secretary-treasurer says unions must help level the playing field.

Podcast: Francis Collins

Reconciling Science and Religion

New challenges at the NIH include finding the genes that cause cancer, heart disease.

Podcast: Toby Cosgrove

Surgeon Reveals Secrets to Success

Pioneering heart surgeon says failure is bad only if you don't recover from it.

• Read a Q&A With Toby Cosgrove

Podcast: Cheryl Dorsey

Social Entrepreneurs Can Change the World

Their blend of passion and pragmatism helps bridge ideological divides and speed change.

Podcast: Arne Duncan

Principals Must Act Like CEOs

Economic crisis poses a test of leadership for the nation's educators.

• Read a Q&A With Arne Duncan

Podcast: John Hickenlooper

Denver Mayor Discusses Going Green

Climate skeptics should embrace efforts to mitigate global warming as an economic benefit.

Podcast: Tim Kaine

Democrats Lead Boldly

DNC chairman says Americans chose his party's confident and optimistic governing.

• Read a Q&A With Tim Kaine

Podcast: John Kerry

U.S. Will Lead the Way in Copenhagen

Personal persuasion, taking the initiative, and spreading the hurt are deal-making skills.

• Read a Q&A With John Kerry

Podcast: Bill McKibben

Oil Spill Is an Opportunity

Author and environmentalist says individuals can help end dependence on fossil fuels.

Podcast: Grover Norquist

Leading the Fight Against Taxes

Leading conservative activist launched Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

• Read a Q&A With Grover Norquist

Podcast: Diane Ravitch

Charter Schools Aren't the Answer

The historian talks about what's gone wrong with American schools.

Podcast: Alice Rivlin

We Must Reduce the Federal Debt

The former budget chief says debt is largely attributable to costs of an aging population.

• Read a Q&A With Alice Rivlin

Podcast: Maria Zuber

Science Is Key for U.S. to Compete

The female space pioneer talks about the importance of innovation.

Commentary: Michelle Obama

The Future Lies in Teachers

Having good teachers in classrooms is critical because education is the road to opportunity.

Commentary: David Gergen

The National Deficit—of Leadership

Obama fired the imagination of the country during his campaign, but the glow has faded.

Commentary: Barbara Kellerman

The Internet and Leadership Resistance

Americans have always been reluctant to grant anyone the right to tell us what to do.

Slideshow

America's Best Leaders 2009

Get to know more about each person who made this year's list.