1956: Nixon/Lodge vs. Stevenson/ Kennedy

[cmt]

It's 1956 and Ike decides not to run, due to his health.  The GOP nominates VP Nixon who selects Henry Cabot Lodge as his running mate, at Ike's suggestion (as he did in 1960).  The Democrats feeling more optimistic nominate Adlai Stevenson and the convention nominates Sen. John F. Kennedy of MA as his running mate.  How would Nixon in '56 running against Stevenson look with JFK as his running mate? in '52 Ike narrowly won the Catholic vote--how would, in your opinion, the '56 map look?

[cmt]

I don't necessarily agree.  Eisenhower was much more popular than his party and Nixon was pretty controversial.  The Dems won the house and senate back in '54 and continued to hold them in '56.  Stevenson was actually well-liked.  He enthused many people, democrat, independent and even some republicans with his eloquence.  In '52 no democrat could have beaten Ike and the same is true in '56, but with Nixon heading the ticket I'm not so sure it he would have won.  I think it could have been close.