After an embattled start, the Affordable Care Act will be for the most part successful in 2014, although not all the public will view it as such. Nonetheless, Obama’s approval rate may improve over the course of the year. On the other hand, the approval rate for Congress (which is lower than ever before) will not likely improve, and may in fact become worse.
History will likely remember Barack Obama as an immature president; one who lacked the training and experience needed to govern effectively.
The country will watch Colorado and Washington carefully this year to see how the end of marijuana prohibition goes. While getting the industry in place and regulated will be difficult, what happens in 2014 will inspire other states to consider adopting the same laws and taking advantage of a great deal of potential revenue.
Overall, the American economy will improve in 2014, with new business starts and new innovations helping businesses both small and large.
Around the world, China will be involved a human rights scandal that will leave U.S.-Sino relationships in a bit of a diplomatic stand-off for a short period of time.
The Middle East, of course, will continue to be troubled, but I am not predicting any major or unusual problems beyond what we have unfortunately come to expect.
In fashion, although the economy will improve, thrift store chic and vintage wear will be increasingly popular. Big fashion dollars are likely to be spent for elaborate costuming (cosplay), rather than for business attire.
In entertainment, video games will continue to be popular, with indie games taking a larger market share than ever before.