There was a conservative mood after 20 years of Democratic administrations. The unpopularity of President Truman also helps Taft to win the election.
Taft picks a moderate running mate to balance his ticket. Perhaps Richard Nixon. Then Nixon becomes president in August 1953, after Taft died. Nixon then moves on to win in 1956, while JFK is his succesor in 1961.
However, Taft wins by closer margin than Eisenhower.
Senator Robert Taft/Senator Richard Nixon: 305 EV. 51.6%Senator Estes Keauver/Senator John Sparkman: 226 EV. 46.9%