A problem is that we're very dependent (for our current way of life) on a number of inputs that are simply not economically, or qualitatively, available within our borders. If we expand our protectionism, the other guys will, too, and the result is much higher domestic prices and little ability to offset those with exports. The only way to make insularism work would be for us to retreat towards agrarianism. Which would make us prey. Or possibly we could adopt the N. Korea model, ie. militarized, stratified.
Front and center in tonite's speech: raising taxes on millionaires and billionaires who make more than 250k a year. guarantee it.