In theory, many of the persuasion, influence, and social-manipulation “tricks” described by Andrew Bustamante (a former operative of CIA) could be used — and indeed might have been used — in local elections such as county sheriff races (or other local political contests).
Bustamante says the CIA trains on influencing and persuasion: “the same level of persuasion … influence … charisma and dynamic creative thinking drives us” in manipulation or motivation. One specific technique he describes is a conversational method: ask two questions, then a validating statement, then repeat — a structured approach to build rapport quickly, make people feel understood, open up, trust you, and self-disclose more. He frames manipulation and motivation as tools — neutral in themselves — that can be used for “helpful outcomes” or “harmful” ones depending on intent. He also talks about influencing what people think — controlling information, shaping what’s believable, limiting alternatives, creating an environment where people think they have freely chosen, while their choices have been guided.
Influence and persuasion tactics could be used in campaign events, door-knocking, debates, social media interactions, or community meetings: shaping emotions, creating rapport, projecting trustworthiness and likability — intangible but powerful factors in elections. Information-control or messaging strategies (framing issues, limiting which alternatives voters focus on, steering conversation, influencing perceived “choices”) — tactics often discussed in intelligence/persuasion literature — might play a role in how issues, opponents, or candidate image are presented to the public.
