Smathers vs. Nixon vs. LeMay 1968

[President Mitt]

JFK lives, and beats Goldy in 1964. His second term is much like LBJ only Civil Rights is much less successful, and the Vietnam War is going slightly better. LBJ declines to run in 1968, citing health concerns, and instead Kennedy ally George Smathers of Florida wins the Nomination. The Republican Nomination proceeds as in OTL. Wallace supports Smathers' and doesn't run. Instead, Retired Air Force General Curtis LeMay runs on the AIP, picking Conservative icon William Buckley as his running mate.

George Smathers/ Henry S. Jackson (Democrat)
Richard Nixon/ Sprio Agnew (Republican)
Curtis LeMay/ William Buckley (American Independent)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Smathers would neutralize LeMay in the south, but otherwise he would be beaten badly by Nixon

Many Democrats would be just pissed on dixiecrat getting nomination

[Lincoln Republican]

LeMay would not have the same appeal in the south that Wallace had.

In spite of Smathers, the south goes for Nixon.

A huge win for Nixon over the experienced, though relatively obscure Smathers.   

Nixon/Agnew                                401
Smathers/Jackson                         137
LeMay/Buckley                                 0

[President Mitt]

I think Smathers would do a little bit better in the South, but your right, still a Nixon win.

[Lahbas]

How would LeMay even manage to win the AIP nomination? Anyway, BIG Nixon win.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

In such scenario I would vote for Nixon