3 days is enough: Are 2-day conventions next?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Message to convention planners: Three days are enough.

Both major parties packed their presidential nominating conventions into 72 hours, one day short of the traditional four-day celebration — prompting few complaints from either delegates or the public.

Republicans scrapped the first day of their convention in Tampa, Fla., because of Hurricane Isaac. Democrats, mindful of Labor Day and eager to promote a cost-conscious image, kept their gathering to three days by design.

So will 2012 mark the end of the old-fashioned blowouts the political parties host every four years?

After all, the actual business of the convention — adopting a platform and nominating a presidential ticket — could be completed in a few hours.

Some political heavyweights say the answer should be yes.