AH Challenge: Truman-Barkley '52

With a POD no earlier than January 20, 1949, your challenge is to insure that Harry Truman wins a third term by a relatively comfortable margin on Election Day in 1952.

Before anyone asks, yes, Truman was eligible for a third term, even with the 22nd Amendment in force. Truman, being the sitting President at the time, was grandfathered out of the provision, which wouldn't take effect until he left office.
 
Unless Ike stays out of politics, it isn't happening. Truman's popularity went to Dubya-like levels after China went Red in October 1949, which kicked off McCarthyism...
 
1. Ike killed in a car accident a la Patton, but in 1950 or 1951.

2. GOP nominee Taft chooses MacArthur for VP. MacArthur had worn out his welcome by 1952.

3. Truman wins based on economic issues.
 
You can't butterfly Bess' opposition to it, because she hated being FL throughout Truman's Presidency. He would not go against her on this, and Truman would be 72 in 1956- the oldest President to serve.
 
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