In 1978, Nick Belluso was running for governor of Georgia and hired a hypnotist for a TV spot. You can see a clip above. From the script:
Candidate: This is Nick Belluso. In the next ten seconds you will be hit with a tremendously hypnotic force. You may wish to turn away. Without further ado let me introduce to you the hypnogenecist of mass hypnosis, the Reverend James G. Masters. Take us away, James.
Hypnotist: Do not be afraid. I am placing the name of Nick Belluso in your subconscious mind. You will remember this. You will vote on Election Day. You will vote Nick Belluso for governor. You will remember this. You will vote on Election Day. You will vote Nick Belluso for governor.
Only one station agreed to run the commercial. Belluso lost but continued to campaign for various other offices, including a run for the US presidency in 1980.
More at Weird Universe: “Hypnotizing the voters”
