The presidential election will drive next year's news cycle. Here are five storylines that could impact the process.

Economic numbers improve
The unemployment rate, Dow Jones Index, etc., will improve perceptibly from New Year's Day until Election Day. As a result, President Barack Obama's approval rating will increase steadily with the improving economic statistics.

Newt's demise by past clients
Newt Gingrich is the entrenched Washington animal. The news media will reveal a private-sector client of Gingrich's that is ...