This article is from the archive of our partner .

The Conservative Party of the United Kingdom has hired an unexpected-but-certainly-qualified person to advise its general election team: Jim Messina, architect of the Barack Obama re-election and former Deputy White House Chief of Staff. What gives? How could a self-described lifelong Democrat go work for the Conservatives?

In short: Money. But also because the U.K. Conservatives are not like U.S. conservatives.

Let's be clear: This is not a Benedict Arnold-style move. The BBC reports on the hire, noting that Messina will remain in the U.S. (where Messina runs Organizing For Action) and will be used largely to advise on social media and campaign structure. The outlet also notes that it's not the first time the Conservatives and the Obama team have been linked.

In the run-up to the TV debates of the 2010 U.K. general election campaign, the Tories brought Obama adviser Anita Dunne over to advise Mr .Cameron on how to handle the debates, which are a familiar feature of U.S. presidential races.



Then, in the year of the presidential election, Mr. Cameron flew to the US in a trip interpreted by many as an endorsement of Mr. Obama.

When you break down the parties (and their leaders) by policy, it's easy to see why.

Policy Republican Party U.K. Conservatives

(Cameron) Democratic Party

(Obama) Abortion Oppose Support, but limit Support Death penalty Support Oppose Support Same-sex marriage Oppose Support Support Heavy cuts to

government Support Support Oppose National healthcare

policy Oppose Support Support Renewable energy Oppose Support Support Carbon tax Oppose Support Support Stricter border

security Support Support Not a priority And most importantly: (Semi-)Official color Red Blue Blue



Yes, that's right: Messina can still wear his all-blue outfit when he has to take meetings in London.

The final tally from the above? Two Conservative policies similar to the Republican party; six to the Democrats. And in two instances — the death penalty and nationalized healthcare — it runs further to the left.

In other words, Messina doesn't need to change his policy arguments that much, either.

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.