Sue Warriner of Flower Mound: Absolutely I will be watching his speech. I'm hoping to hear a definitive plan for the Iraq war, as well as his outline for dealing with the current gasoline crisis and the economy.

Carey Christenberry of Irving: I'll watch to hear his rhetorical prowess; however, I don't expect him to say anything new. I'm sure he'll whip the partisan crowd into a frenzy. It will be entertaining but not revealing. I'd rather hear a cogent elucidation of how he'll bridge the divide between conservatives and liberals.

Linda A. Lancaster of Arlington: Yes, and I hope to hear how we'll discontinue current policies, quit wasting tax money, and start protecting middle-class taxpayers and homeowners.

Ron McKillip of Carrollton: I plan on watching the Rangers Thursday night. Barack Obama has as much chance of being elected as the Rangers have of making the playoffs.

Jody Thompson of Fort Worth: Barack Obama's speeches over the past months have been thoroughly covered by the media, so I have no interest in hearing him again. He's a good speaker, but I agree with those who call him an empty suit.

Cleatius Copeland of Roanoke: Yes, I plan on watching at least Barrack Obama's speech, as I hope to see him answer issues with direct answers and not beat around the bush. He needs to convince America he's got the experience to lead a country when he's not led anything of any size or magnitude to date. I want direct, concrete plans to the issues facing this country. No more "it's above my pay grade" answers.

Doug Harper of Irving: I would like to hear something new from Barack Obama and not the same old emotional feel-good hype.How does he plan to find Osama bin Laden, pay for national health care, help American young people receive a top-notch education without having to sell the farm – and how is he going to help fix our broken Congress?

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@dall asnews.com.

Voices: The above residents are regular contributors to this forum.Jeff Young

Keller quality manager for a pharmaceutical company

Even as a person who doesn't follow Barack Obama's political leanings, I still find him to be an exceptionally great speaker, so I'll be watching. I hope his speech explains a message and vision and isn't laced with hollow "hope" and "change" buzzwords.

Luke Smith

Junior, Liberty Christian School

Yes, I will pay close attention to Barack Obama's historic speech. I want to learn more about his specific plans regarding income tax and health care, which, as of yet, have not been made clear to the general public.

Margaret Lucyk

Teacher, Colleyville Heritage High School, Colleyville

When I watch the speech I hope to hear how Sen. Obama believes he can bring Americans together – what he can do to buck partisan bickering. I want to hear what he can do to help us be more "Purple" instead of "Red" vs. "Blue."

Melissa Flandreau

Senior, Coppell High School

Even though I won't be able to vote in the next election, I'll still tune in to watch Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination for president. In his speech, I hope to hear him talk of a promising and exciting future, one I'll look forward to growing up in. [an error occurred while processing this directive]