1944: Willkie (D) vs. Dewey (R)

[President Johnson]

Some Democrats hoped to win back Wendell Willkie, the liberal-progressive and internationalist who was nominated by the GOP in 1940. Even FDR liked the idea, as both men became allies during the war years.

The scenario: In March of 1944, President Roosevelt announces he would not seek reelection. Meanwhile, Willkie states, after having lost the first Republican primary to Tom Dewey, that he would run as Demcrat if Democrats nominated him. FDR supports him, because he thinks, Willkie would be the best man to continue his policies. In July 1944, Willkie wins the nomination. Harry S. Truman becomes his running mate. Assuming the 52 year old Willkie lives on with good health, how is November 7, 1944 turning out?

[TaylorFillmore]

I see  Wilkie winning  due to WWII. Thomas Dewey won 99 Electoral votes in 1944 with FDR on the ticket and without him the democrats are vulnerable. Most Republicans would see this as a betrayal by Wilkie as an opportunist and few switch to support him as the Democratic nominee. Conservative Democrats who never fell completely for Roosevelt (in philosophy) are outraged by a Republican serving as their nominee and only their sense of duty (WWII) keeps them from bolting the party a la  1 948 and 1968. New York votes for Dewey without Roosevelt on the ticket and so Idaho, Illinois Maryland , Michigan , New Hampshire , New Jersey , Oregon.  Wilkie/Truman - Total Electoral college votes 300 Dewey/Bricker - Total Electoral coolege votes 231.  Also could you tell me how to post a map , I din't know how to.

[Sir Mohamed]

With FDR's support, Willkie wins the White House against Dewey. But in such scenario, a third party candidacy from the South would have emerged, as both Willkie and Dewey, supported civil rights.

Wendell Willkie/Harry S. Truman: 334 EV. (50.70%)
Thomas E. Dewey/John W. Bricker: 138 EV. (45.80%)
Southern Ticket : 59 EV. (4.10%)

[President Johnson]

Mohamed, your percentage points are 100.6% combined ;-)

[Thunderbird is the word]

You might see him losing votes outside the south as well just because a lot of Democrats wouldn't trust him due to his having run as a Republican.