1968: LBJ vs Nixon vs Wallace

[Sir Mohamed]

In this scenario the rumors of scandal regarding LBJ are extinguished. LBJ also gains an even greater reputation as a brilliant lawmaker after his backroom arm twisting was a MAJOR factor in JFK passing a once unthinkable Civil rights bill - as well as many other social programs that ended up becoming extremely popular with most Americans.

But LBJ becomes a shoe in for the nomination after going to Paris to broker a peaceful settlement in Vietnam, something that took the administration off the hook from hawks that were upset when JFK refused to escalate American involvement in ‘65.

Despite JFK’s administration going down as legendary, only surpassed by Lincoln and FDR - the constant unrest in the South over Civil Rights led to some fracturing amongst Southern Dems. This spurs George Wallace to run. He thinks he can force the election to the House where Southern Dems can have their way.

Meanwhile Richard Nixon played the role of good soldier for the past 6 years after his ‘62 CA loss. He smartly decided to sit out in ‘64 against an unbeatable incumbent JFK - an election that saw JFK get 61% of the popular vote and 501 electoral votes. But heading into ‘68 he has polished up his image and is no longer seen as bitter and cold - but instead as an older statesman of the GOP. He criticizes the Dems, JFK & LBJ for making “big government even bigger”. He also plays both sides of the Civil Rights issue, saying “All Americans should be afforded the same rights” but appealing to win Southern electoral votes by saying “its a states rights issue”

V.P Lyndon Johnson / Sen Edmund Muskie • 338
Fmr V.P Richard Nixon / Gov Spiro Agnew • 171
Gov George Wallace / Gen Curtis LeMay • 29

This is a good answer. I think Johnson doesn't survive his term or if reelected dies shortly after his second swearing-in in 1973.

[Sir Mohamed]

JFK wouldn't lift a finger for LBJ so he'd be on his own, & the Vice Presidency isn't enough to save him.

Fmr. VP Richard Nixon / Gov. Spiro Agnew: 273
VP Lyndon Johnson / Sen. Hubert Humphrey: 220
Gov. George Wallace / Gen. Curtis LeMay: 45

JFK wouldn't want Nixon as prez, he'd support Johnson in general, but fought his nomination.