1952: Truman vs. Nixon

[President Johnson]

What if in 1952 Harry S. Truman runs again and gets the nomination, while the Republicans nominate young senator Richard Nixon for president? Truman in the campaign attacks Nixon for his inexperience while Nixon focusses on Korea and corruption issues at the time. Is America in 1952 (al)ready for Nixon?

[President Johnson]

I have a question for this thread. If Truman moved even further to the left on Civil Rights in this election, is it possible that J. Strom Thurmond switches allegiance to the GOP this year and runs with Nixon as the VP?

I doubt that, not just because Thurmond would hurt Nixon outside the South, but also because Nixon supported civil rights as early as the 1950s.

[President Johnson]

To be honest, I just don't see how Truman pulls it off in 1952, he was just too damn unpopular. Polls would have tightened over the fall, I guess, but just no way he wins.

✓ Senator Richard Nixon (R-CA)/Senator James H. Duff (R-PA): 375 EVs.; 50.0%
President Harry S. Truman (D-MO)/Vice President Alben Barkley (D-KY): 119 EVs.; 44.5%
Governor Fielding Wright (DIX-MS)/Senator John Sparman (DIX-AL): 37 EVs.; 4.2%

I think this is pretty close to what would have happened. Give or take the <40% states. Nixon would have been seen as a fresh new face against a president with very low approvals.