All but one of the living former presidents and VPs skipping conventions
Former President Bill Clinton
Of the eight living past presidents and vice presidents, former President Bill Clinton is the only one who will attend either the Democratic or Republican convention in person.
While he hasn't always been in lock step with President Obama, Clinton will endorse Mr. Obama's re-election this September at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. Mr. Clinton will speak on Wednesday night during the convention, in the slot traditionally reserved for the vice presidential nominee.
Here's a look at what the other past presidents and vice presidents are doing:
All but one of the living former presidents and VPs skipping conventions
Former President George W. Bush
Former President George W. Bush has turned down his invitation to attend the Republican National Convention in Tampa in late August. "He's still enjoying his time off the political stage and respectfully declined the invitation," his spokesperson said.
Given his shaky popularity rating, Mr. Bush's presence at the convention may not have helped Mitt Romney anyway: A recent CNN/ORC poll shows that 54 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of Mr. Bush, making President Obama's predecessor the only living president with an approval rating below 50 percent.
All but one of the living former presidents and VPs skipping conventions
Former Vice President Al Gore
Former Vice President Al Gore will not attend the Democratic convention. Instead, he will lead coverage of the convention -- as well as coverage of the Republican convention -- for Current TV, the liberal cable station he helped found.
Gore said in a statement, "I have no doubt that our coverage will be innovative and informative."
The former vice president had a prime speaking slot at the 2008 Democratic convention: He delivered a speech before the large crowd at Denver's Invesco Field on the final night, shortly before Mr. Obama officially accepted the Democratic party's nomination.
All but one of the living former presidents and VPs skipping conventions
Former Vice President Dick Cheney
Former Vice President Dick Cheney will skip the Republican convention in Tampa to go on a long-planned fishing trip, he told ABC News earlier this year.
Cheney has been a vocal supporter of the Romney campaign and an active fundraiser.
All but one of the living former presidents and VPs skipping conventions
Former President George H.W. Bush
Former President George H.W. Bush will not attend the Republican convention, a spokesman said, citing health issues.
Before the GOP primary was over, the 41st president urged Republicans to coalesce behind Romney. From his office in Houston in March, with Romney sitting at his side, Mr. Bush said "it's time for people to all get behind this good man."
All but one of the living former presidents and VPs skipping conventions
Former Vice President Dan Quayle
The former vice president under George H.W. Bush will not be attending the Republican convention this year, his office confirmed to CBSNews.com.
All but one of the living former presidents and VPs skipping conventions
Former President Jimmy Carter
Former President Jimmy Carter, now 87 years old, will address the Democratic convention by video this year. The video will be played at the Time Warner Cable Arena on Tuesday, September 4, in prime time.
"Rosalynn and I regret that we will be unable to be at the Democratic Convention this year in Charlotte. However, we remain steadfast in our support for President Obama and the progress he will make in the next four years," Carter said in a statement.
All but one of the living former presidents and VPs skipping conventions
Former Vice President Walter Mondale
Former President Carter's vice president, Walter Mondale, will not be attending the Democratic convention, his office confirmed to CBSNews.com, because of scheduling conflicts.