isolationism is nothing but a strawman in modern political discourse. the only actual isolationist i can think of is possibly pat buchanan (who is quoted in the times article). but i would hardly call him a serious political force right now.
"isolationism" at one time was a mainstream political position in this country, but that was before we became a superpower with military bases on every continent and an economy that is completely dependent on the rest of the world. indeed, the very way people use of the term "isolationist" is a testament to just how out of the mainstream isolationism is seen to be these days. no politician ever stands up and argues for isolationism. instead, it's used as a kind of insult, another way to call one's opponent unreasonable.
the president's stern warning to the country to avoid isolationism is really just an attempt to call people who don't like his policies "unreasonable" and to brand them as outside the mainstream. there is no danger of isolationism taking over u.s. foreign policy. considering all of the things wrong with the world, it's kind of funny to see the president choosing to raise an "alarm" over this particular non-issue.
