Barbara Perkins of Dallas: Yes, I do plan to watch his acceptance speech. I hope to hear how his plans for the country are different from Bush administration policies. I want to hear how he plans to address this country's serious economic and energy problems. And I want to hear how much money he plans to continue to spend on the Iraq war, what he will do in Afghanistan, and how he'll deal with Russia, China, free trade and balancing the budget.

René Villareal of Dallas: While Barack Obama noted in his speech that John McCain is a veteran who loves his country, Mr. Obama nonetheless painted him as a politician out of touch with the middle class. I'm curious to see how Mr. McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, will combat this perception and match the energy of the Democratic National Convention, a week that Democrats and Republicans alike deemed an enormous success.

Liz Fleskes of Dallas: It is imperative that the Republicans show that they are both capable of and committed to taking responsibility for the people who put them in office. I'd like to see a break from the Karl Rove tactics of campaigning that Mr. McCain has disappointingly embraced.

Beverly Lowry of Dallas: I ended up watching the Democrats, though I didn't intend to, because my son was assigned it as homework. I expect he will be assigned Mr. McCain's acceptance speech as well, though I must say I was very interested in seeing Sarah Palin on the national stage. She is an inspired choice for vice president.

John McGee of Dallas: Originally I had not planned on watching Mr. McCain's acceptance speech because I am just tired of the whole game, which has been going on way too long. However, with his choice of Ms. Palin as a running mate, it certainly puts a whole new perspective on the situation. I may watch to get more information about her.

Jerry Keeler of Dallas: I look forward to hearing Sarah Palin speak and John McCain's acceptance speech. The rest will be political campaign gobbledygook, and I'll pass.

These responses are from readers who have asked to receive the weekly Sounding Off question. To be added to the e-mail list, send your full contact information to communityopinions@dallasnews.com.

Voices: The above Voices volunteers are regular contributors to this forum.Keith A. Brown

Pleasant Grove musician, aircraft machinist and volunteer

I will watch it. John McCain seems to be a straight shooter. I don't expect any surprises. I have more interest in seeing how Sarah Palin's speech goes. The stage is set now. This will be a historic presidential term, either predicated upon race or gender. This election has piqued my interest.

Ellen Raff

Lake Highlands writer

I support Barack Obama, but I plan to watch McCain's speech to see if he will put aside his carefully scripted Bush agenda and start acting like himself again. I believe his selection of Sarah Palin as running mate is an indication that we will begin to see more of his maverick nature in the coming weeks.

Mike Sims

Dallas attorney and corporate executive

I hope John McCain will talk less about his past and more about our future. We all know he is a Vietnam-era war hero. But this is 2008, not 1968, and the problems we face today are different. I want to know what new solutions he proposes to specific issues like access to health care and dependence on oil.

Laurie Dodic Steinberg

Highland Park full-time mother and volunteer

If I have time I will watch, but it's not my first priority. I would like to hear how he plans to help all the teenage unwed mothers who do not have a loving, supportive and well-connected family.

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