Michele Degnon of Garland: Yes, we will be watching and looking for some resolutions to our economy, health care and the war and his goals.We only can hope that being so charismatic in personality translates into great leadership ability.

Stacey Varnado O'Mahony of Plano: Of course, I'm not going to watch. College football starts that night. Plus, the Cowboys are playing!

John Heard of Rockwall: No. I think I've already heard everything he has to say: meaningless feel-good platitudes and undeliverable promises.

Evy Davis of Plano: No, I'd rather hear him ad lib and find out who he really is.

Paul Lastrapes of McKinney: I will absolutely be watching. Obviously, the rhetoric and delivery will be off the charts, but I'm hoping to learn more about the man after reading so much nonsense on the Internet. I want to get a sense of the man's character, judgment and plans for the next four years.

Barbara Broughton of Garland: I fail to see the significance of the Democratic or Republican convention. It is just one big pep rally where the big decisions are already made – a pep rally designed to stir up the minds of potential voters to support their chosen candidate. Mr. Obama has nothing to say that I have not already heard. What kind of change does he have in mind? He has never truly defined his idea of change.

George Powell of Allen: Although I'm not a supporter, I probably will watch, since it is a part of history.

Myron L. Blackwell of Garland: I do intend to watch Obama give his speech. I do expect to hear about the specific changes he expects to make if he becomes president. Whoever is elected to the presidency, I hope he can restore my faith and trust in the federal government. For too many years now, we have been in an "I love my country but fear my government" mode.

Amanda Stone of Rockwall: Yes, I will watch and appreciate that we are one day closer to Nov. 4, when this election will be over. Some monarchs have had reigns shorter that this election cycle. We can then enjoy the process until the inauguration, at which time someone will form a committee to begin the process for 2012.

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 residents are regular contributors to this forum.Elizabeth Graham

Senior, Allen High School

Honestly, no. I know I should and will probably watch part of it, but most politicians' speeches seem to be a blur of empty rhetoric and vague promises to somehow deliver everything that every American could possibly need – and significantly reduce our national debt at the same time.

Ian Floyd

Junior, North Garland High School

I do not plan to watch because I already know he will accept his nomination, promise a cure for everything short of cancer, give a thumbs-up and tell us how much he loves America. My television will be off and a book will be open.

Josh Smith

Senior, Rockwall High School

No way will I watch Obama accept the Democratic nomination. I've already heard him speak. Plus, both nominees have posted on their Web sites where they stand on vital issues.

Cari Montgomery

Teacher, Wilmeth Elementary, McKinney

How many more nights will families have empty seats at their dinner tables? Will Barack Obama answer the call to bring our troops home, or will he hang up? [an error occurred while processing this directive]