Albert Woolson (1847-1956) was the oldest living veteran, having died in 1956 at the age of 109. Although Wikipedia says he never entered politics, he apparently was a noted member of a powerful political organization called the grand army of the republic (G.A.R.). So maybe he enters politics later in life (perhaps in his mid 60s) and as the notoriety over his status as one of the last remaining civil war veterans becomes more prominent he is elected governor of Minnesota sometime in the early 1920s. Hoover is so unpopular in 1932 at the sitting president is actually defeated at the primaries by the popular ex-governor from Minnesota, who is regarded as a complete political lightweight. roosevelt dies on the campaign trail due to an unforeseen accident of some sort, and Woolson picks Teddy Roosevelt Jr as his running mate. It becomes clear that Woolson is not going to be the one pulling the strings if elected, and with his advanced age he may not even last a full term, but his popularity still carries the day. The Democrats, in shambles ever since the death of Roosevelt, are unable to mountain effective attack. But due to the poor economy it still remains one of the closest races in American history.
To be honest..this is perhaps one or two bats away from being complete ASB