POTUS is always steps ahead for a simple reason.
Game Theory.
He is going for the win win.
Everyone he against is going for the win lose, criminals.
The advantage is that they are protecting crimes so their moves can be anticipated since their methods are known.
Short answer is that the system is geared to allow POTUS to win at every turn, since he can anticipate every move, his enemy have to fight against truth coming to light. They can only fight in the shadows. At any moment the lights can be switched on.
The enemy has a MASSIVE disadvantage.