The President has improved his image the most within his own ranks among moderate New Democrats and older New Dealers. Gender Politics Gender and race also play an important role in the changing political fortunes of the President and GOP leaders. White males, who voted Republican heavily in the mid-term elections are now divided over the party leaders' policies, and look more favorably on Clinton than they did a year ago. Non-whites strongly support the president and are equally opposed to the plans and policies of Republican leaders. Besides growing concerns about the personal consequences of budget cutting, the differing views of men and women about government are an important element in public opinion.
White females are much greater supporters of an activist government than are white men.
Overall, non-whites of both sexes favor an activist government far more than white men and women. White males see themselves as having a more conservative view on government than they believe Clinton does, while white women rate Clinton's philosophy close to their own. All of the GOP leaders are seen by both white women and white men as being more anti-government than are voters themselves. This is especially the case for Gingrich. The unusual degree of political cohesion among Democratic groups is clearly an important element in Clinton's new found political strength.