Still another 1960 scenario Nixon/Rockefeller vs Humphrey/Symington

[Lincoln Republican]

In 1960, in real life, Minnesota Senator Hubert Humphrey mounted a serious challenge for the Democratic Presidential nomination.

In this scenario, Humphrey wins the West Virginia primary, giving him the momentum he needs to go on to defeat Massachusetts Senator John F Kennedy and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B Johnson of Texas for the Democratic Presidential nomination.

Humphrey decides to bypass both Kennedy and Johnson in his selection for Vice President, and picks respected Missouri Senator Stuart Symington.

Vice President Richard M Nixon of California, as expected, wins the Republican Presidential nomination easily.  He wants high profile New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller for Vice President, offers him the job, and, to his surprise, Rockefeller accepts.

How does this 1960 election turn out?  Please discuss, using maps is you wish,.

Republican
Vice President Richard M Nixon (CA)
Governor Nelson Rockefeller (NY)

Democrat
Senator Hubert Humphrey (MN)
Senator Stuart Symington (MO)

[Lincoln Republican]

Here's what happens.

Humphrey, though a fighter, lacks Kennedy's charisma and persona.

Rockefeller turns out to be a kind of a Republican LBJ, being instrumental in helping Nixon win New Jersey.

Vice President Nixon, with his reputation as a defender of freedom and his public stances against Communist aggression is seen as much more prepared to lead the nation than is Humphrey.

A comfortable victory for Nixon and Rockefeller over Humphrey and Symington.

Nixon/Rockefeller                              319
Humphrey/Symington                       199

[Lincoln Republican]

Governor Leroy Collins would be an interesting pick. 

In this case, I would add, at best, to Humphreys totals

Florida 10, South Carolina 8, North Carolina 14, giving him a total of 231 EV, and Nixon a total of 287 EV.

In 1960, however, facing Vice President Nixon, I still view Senator Humphrey as a weaker Democratic nominee than was Senator Kennedy.