Isn't it still possible to buy at least some sporty cars with
traditional stick shifts in the US? But, certainly, the mainstream
and rental markets abandoned the stick shift a long time ago. I wonder
how many American drivers would be able to use a clutch pedal?

Stick shifts are indeed rare in the US other than on some imports.
Most drivers my age (60) and older can drive a stick, younger ones
mostly can't.

Of course, kids these days also have no idea what to do if confronted
with a telephone with a mechanical rotary dial.

R's,
John