Stevenson vs. Taft 1952

[Peter the Lefty]

All right.  Say the Democratic primaries go the same way as in RL, and Adlai Stevenson gets the nomination, but Eisenhower doesn't run, and Taft beats Stassen for the GOP nomination.  Would fatigue with 20 years of Democratic rule still give Taft a victory, or would Stevenson be able to portray him as an extremist and keep the WH in Democratic hands for another 4 years?

[RogueBeaver]

Probably a close election. Incumbency fatigue + K1C2 on one side, Taft's conservatism on the other. IMO could go either way. If Taft runs a more moderate campaign similar to his 1944 reelection then he could win. No trimming sails, no WH.

[Cryptic]

Stevenson: 286
Taft: 245

[morgieb]

I think Taft would win due to Korea + fatigue, but it would be a lot closer. Eisenhower was a bit of an anomaly.