I don't find it surprising and I doubt it's a coincidence. I mean if I'd been hired to design a campaign website for a party that attracted bigots, religious nuts, pro-gun, pro-war and "f*ck-you brother, I'm rich!"-types, I'd naturally see what kind of website the world's most successful "f*ck-you brother, I'm rich!" political party was doing and try to match it. But I don't think it's any more sinister than an application of the "Nothing succeeds like success" rule.
It's a good catch by peapod, but has Harper's role as a butt-kisser to the more regressive elements Down Below ever been in doubt?