Name a time when The president/congress tried to push amazingly un-popular stuff through with the general public. They are really just doing their job by listening to the people, even if they are only paying attention because they are not in the majority and looking for votes.
Name any of the amazingly un-popular stuff? Health care? A majority were against it, but a huge chunk of those against it were against it because it wasn't liberal enough! The health care plan passed by Obama is the 1993 Republican health care plan! Cap and Trade is a republican idea!
Really, what are the "amazingly un-popular" things? I personally like having the ability to get healthcare. I personally like regulating the oil industry so I can go on vacation in the gulf. I personally like the idea that my 5 year old will probably not go to war in Iraq.