The eyes of the nation will be on Sen. Barack Obama tonight as he gives his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention -- and so will the eyes of many University of Colorado students.

Students on the Norlin Quadrangle on Wednesday morning discussed their viewing plans, with most saying they would, or at least might, watch Obama's speech at Invesco Field at Mile High on television.

But all of the students offered different reasons for being interested in this year's election -- from passion for specific political issues, to more general concerns about the course of the nation.

Also, students offered different hopes and desires for what Obama might address during the speech.

NATHAN ROCK

Senior, environmental studies

"I'd like to be there (at Invesco), but unfortunately, I'll be watching it at home.

"I guess I'm really just hoping for a feeling of unity to come out of it -- just a sense that they've put the Hillary and Obama thing aside, and that they can actually move ahead as one party. If that doesn't happen, they're not going anywhere.

"I'd really like to see the health care issue addressed, and I know Hillary was really big on that. I'm from New York originally, and I know she did some good things there. I didn't have insurance for a while, and I felt the pain of that one for a few years, that's for sure.

ELIZABETH FRASIER

Freshman, international affairs

"I plan to watch, but it will be the televised version.

"I hope to hear more about a better adoption system, hopefully, but I don't really like Obama that much. I agree with a lot of his social policies, but the abortion issue is what has me caught, because that's a life or death issue. Also with that, I'm pro gun control -- I'm just pro-life all across the board.

"I don't really like McCain either. I think I'm just going to have to not vote this year."

ANNIE KIM

Sophomore, psychology and fine arts

"I'll be watching it at my house.

"I would say my roommates and I are very interested . . . first of all, in terms of the whole illegal immigration situation, where they can't get funding for school. Obama's trying to make everything more affordable and more accessible for people who don't have an equal chance, and that's pretty crucial.

"I guess I like Obama a little more than McCain, but, overall, I think the president is just the figure, or the face, of everything that goes on. There are just so many advisers, and the vice president is also really important.

"If Obama were to become president, an assassination wouldn't be out of the question, so whoever is the vice president for both sides is really important."

ADAM GLADSTONE

Sophomore, psychology

"Actually, no, I don't plan on watching the speech.

"I just wish somebody would win who is capable of making this place better. That's all that really matters. I really don't think I know well enough -- and few people actually do -- who will be the best president. It's kind of like a gamble, in some senses.

"So, I don't really care who wins. All I care about is what they do. This is the first election I've ever had the opportunity to vote in . . . but as for now, I really believe that I am kind of inexperienced, and I've never thought about politics in great depth."

ALAINA AMBROSIO

Freshman, English

"I probably will watch the speech on TV.

"The war and the economy, I think, are the main issues. Honestly, I'm not too sure which one would do a better job. I think both politicians just take too strong of a stance on one side, and if they'd just find a happy middle, that would probably be the best solution.

"Obviously, I want America's economy to do better, because it just affects everyday life. And I think it's important that we finish the war correctly. I think we should withdraw our troops, but, first, we should make sure everything's OK there and finish it up. My friends say they know people who are actually fighting, and they say it's not going as badly as the newspapers say."