Independent Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee will speak in primetime on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday. Chafee was a moderate Republican while he was a senator. He will give his speech shortly before first lady Michelle Obama. 

While the mainstream media is already playing up Chafee’s forthcoming speech as an Artur Davis-like conversion, it is worth noting that Chafee endorsed President Barack Obama in 2008 and is a co-chair of his campaign in 2012. Davis, who spoke at the Republican National Convention, was a 2008 Obama co-chair. 

Chafee will join former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist as former Republicans the Obama campaign will trot out next week in the name of “bipartisanship.” However, the Obama administration has politicized everything from national security to Justice Department investigations.

"President Obama has been a friend to Rhode Island, his policies have brought valuable benefits to the people of our state during historically difficult times, and I am proud to explain to the convention audience why I – a former Republican – and lots of people like me are supporting the president’s re-election," Chafee said in a statement.