Not unimaginable, not at all.
Weakening America was a concerted plan and was done on purpose. BHO did so gleefully. Wealth redistribution was to be our collective penance for our generational "evil" as colonizers and war mongering oppressors.
How many people know Chinese nationals with blue badges work at Moffett field? Why? How does that serve our national interest. And so on. Tech transfer to China et al was part of the deliberative strategy and they were so close to closing the loop.
The steel industry in its prime was one of the main engines of the US economy.
Its wages allowed for families to enjoy a solid, financially secure middle class lifestyle on one wage earner's salary and a full time stay at home Mom. Good benefits and a good pension plan. Many high wage skilled wage spin off jobs. Machinists. Tool and Die Makers. Etc.
Bringing back those jobs is a necessary first step to restoring America and rebuilding our moral foundation as well as economic. To build strong families you need to give them a secure financial foundation to build on.