Regarding 1, I honestly don't think this comment is valid, and I believe the current generation should not rest on this particular laurel too much.
A lot of things have changed in the past 56.25 years. New people, new technology, hell I'd argue that the America of the 60's is not the same America as today. For all intents and purposes this "space race" is a completely separate and new thing, where two completely separate and new countries are competing for the crown.
China winning this will only further cement the perception that America is being leapfrogged technologically and left behind.
A lot of things have changed in the past 56.25 years. New people, new technology, hell I'd argue that the America of the 60's is not the same America as today. For all intents and purposes this "space race" is a completely separate and new thing, where two completely separate and new countries are competing for the crown.
China winning this will only further cement the perception that America is being leapfrogged technologically and left behind.