This whole argument rests on per capita GDP being the right measure of success. The US isn't in the top five of any quality of life index, pick your methodology. It ranks at the bottom of the top 10 of the OECD quality of life index, and that's it's only appearance in the top 10.

Have you been to Appalachia? Any part of the rural south? Qualitatively poverty in the US is shameful even compared to rural China. You are living in a spreadsheet world, not the real world. Is there any value to that GDP number without raising the standards of living of Americans?