And although I realize some of his mistakes may have been caused by his horrible Cabinet, he ultimately has the decision of what happens or doesn't happen.

And why is it only when a President fails that he's "just a figurehead". Why don't we discredit F.D.R. with his immense success during the Great Depression? Because a pres is not just a figurehead, they're supposed to be our leader! If a harmful decision is ok'd, it's ultimately done by him.