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?

[CPT MikeyMike]

Except for Nixon's VP, it's been done before.

Anyhow Nixon wins.

[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. 

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Stevenson does better, but still loses 389-142.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Nixon narrowly wins. Stevenson proves to be a much stronger candidate against Nixon than against Eisenhower. Kennedy helps Stevenson.

VA, TN, and FL went for Nixon in 1960; why would they go for Stevenson in 1956, when Ike was extremely popular, and Stevenson had already lost them once?

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Richard M. Nixon/Henry Cabot Lodge (R): 328 EV, 54% of the PV
Adlai Stevenson/John F. Kennedy (D): 203 EV, 46% of the PV

Vice President Nixon defeats former Governor Stevenson in the 1956 Presidential Election. Though this map that I have provided is probably to generous to Governor Stevenson.