Oh, and why are the Chinese doing so well and buying so many cars? Because of Clinton's free-trade policy, so he's as much or more to blame than Dubya.

That's kinda funny.   At least Clinton wanted fair trade.  The Republicans on the other hand, hide behind a facade of nationalism and toughness but they don't enforce any laws that are detrimental to short term business profits.  

The Chinese doing well does not mean we do less well.  I don't see your point.  As an example, the Chinese doing well means that GM is doing extremely well selling Buicks in China.  Is Buick doing well in America?  How many Boeing planes did the Chinese buy in the last 10 years?