FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
As the Democrats and Republicans prepare to host their national conventions in the coming weeks, some wonder if it's even worth throwing these big pep rallies anymore.
For starters, the Democrats are facing numerous problems when it comes to their convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Some Democrats aren't even going to attend, saying they'd rather stay home and campaign instead.
The Democrats are millions of dollars behind Republicans in fundraising for the convention - Since President Obama is refusing corporate donations.
Pres. Obama carried North Carolina four years ago, but he has major problems there this year. Voters amended the state constitution to outlaw gay marriage. The unions are steamed because there are no unionized hotels in Charlotte. There is a sexual harassment scandal rocking the North Carolina Democratic Party, and the state has a very unpopular sitting Democratic governor.
It's probably no coincidence that the Democrats have already shortened their convention by a day.
But it's not just the Democrats. Some Republicans are also skipping their party's convention in Tampa.
The fact is these political conventions are expensive, 4-day long parties - and they still get tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer funding. Not exactly a top priority for most of us taxpayers when you consider all the other places that money could go.
Plus it's not like there's any surprise or drama when the candidates and their running mates are generally known long before the conventions.
Former Mississippi governor and RNC chairman Haley Barbour told Politico he would prefer 3-day conventions instead of four:
"Nobody would know the difference besides some bartenders and restaurateurs in the host city."
Here’s my question to you: Is it time to do away with national political conventions?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 4pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.