In fairness, a Right-wing POTUS would have a rough time as well with his base-favored policies. Trump? Cruz? both know that the country MUST stop deficit spending, slashing the “budget” by some 50% ... and know that merely reducing the rate of spending increase induces shrieking howls from the majority, that actually _cutting_ spending will cause apoplectic fits among the voting majority, and that real & necessary balance-and-reduce will induce actual widespread rioting leading to outright violent revolt from the Gibmedat coalition.
The viable Left contenders will spend us into oblivion.
The viable Right contenders will cut spending to the point of open revolt.
Assuming we survive 2016, 2017-2020 will prove...interesting.
You need to read the 'Fourth Turning'