Truman v. Taft - 1952

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Yeah. The last time any party held power for more than 20 years was the Gilded Age. It was Taft's turn for the nomination following Dewey and Willkie, and the party's itching to finally get back in. Taft will probably need a very energetic and reasonably moderate running mate to ensure both party unity and a good campaign, but I think it can be done. I'd suggest Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. of Massachusetts, but he wasn't the most hard working candidate as I recall.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

The only GOP could have beaten Truman were Warren and Eisenhower; Taft and Dewey would have lost to Truman even in a 3rd term.

The Dems are going for a frickin' sixth term here, man! Truman's approvals are in the toilet! Now I can see shua's map as realistic. If there's one thing Truman has going for him, it's that he's not facing Dewey again, who had the North-East pretty much tied up. But Taft can make up for that in the West and Mid-West. If Truman pulls off another win, it's going to be close.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

As for possible VP picks, I think Senator Irving Ives might be a good choice. Moderate, and can help Taft in the Dewey states.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Honestly I think Joe friggin McCarthy could've taken on Truman in 52; approvals at 25%?!  Come on!

Anyway, why does everyone seem to think he doesn't pick Nixon for VEEP?  Nixon was admired by both factions of the party and would help Ike or Taft grab all the young men coming home from WW2 or Korea.

IMO, he'd help with the internationalist wing a lot, given Nixon bridged the gap between the old school anti-war conservatives and the moderate internationalists, a domestic conservative and an internationalist (of course he would moderate a great amount later in his career).