As 1981 begins, Hoadley comments on the status of the United States economy. He predicts that the economy will slowly improve and that Ronald Reagan will be successful as the newly elected president. He describes current economic situation and uses it to support his prediction that the U.S. economy will grow. Hoadley also discusses differing American ideologies that are favored by different groups of Americans. He also points out the unusual confluence of notable differences in age and background of American leaders.

Hoadley's biography includes: Executive vice president and chief economist, Bank of America NT&SA, San Francisco, 1968-81; senior research fellow, Hoover Institution, 1981-2003; president, Commonwealth Club of California, 1987; author, "Looking Behind the Crystal Ball," 1988.