Obama is an opportunist, first and foremost. Even if he secretly had Republican views, he’d have to know that his best chance to get elected president was as a Democrat. He’ll throw anyone under the bus to stay in power, and he will compromise every one of his political principles. Look how he caved on extending the Bush tax cuts, after swearing for years he’d never sign an extension of them. If repealing ObamaCare meant he’d get a second term, he’d sign onto it in a second, because that’s really all he cares about. He doesn’t care if he accomplishes anything. He pretends to care, because he knows that’s what his base wants to see.
To a certain extent I agree with your premise. I do get a bit uncomfortable when we explain away his devotion to anti-US and pro our enemies policies though.
I think you can only explain away so much with this guy.