Yes, because the amount of support he received from a tea party controlled GOP is indicative of the reality of how his record compares to past Republican presidents.
meanwhile, let's look at a center right dem pres and the support he gets (bill clinton)
family and med leave act
introduced by a dem, passed 265/171 and 71/27
nafta
132 house and 35 senate gop votes
immigration reform, broad bipartisan support
DOMA, introduced by a GOP and signed by clinton
the amount of support his legislation got and his signing of GOP sponsored legislation is indicative of what a truely center politican looks like.