As far as Obama "being eaten alive" I don't think any Democrat would fair better with a Republican congress and probably the same the other way around.
Obama floundered when he had a Democratic Congress. He never managed to get hold of his own party, much less the opposition.
You sure about that?
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
Children s Health Insurance Reauthorizaton
America Recovery and Investment Act
The ACA
Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Re authorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
Car Allowance Rebate System
Bailed out GM and Chrysler
Extension to Jobless benefits
Making Home Affordable Modification Plan
Exending Bush Tax cuts
To name some.