AHC/WI: Eisenhower runs an independent campaign in 1952

What would it take for Dwight D. Eisenhower to run on his own ticket rather than as a candidate for the Republican nomination, and how plausible is it?

And, if he did try and follow in George Washington's footsteps:
  • Does Stevenson still win the Democratic nomination?
  • Who winds up becoming the Republican nominee?
  • Who does Eisenhower choose as his running mate?
  • How would the campaign go, and what would be the final results?
 
Actually, I think the best scenario for an independent Eisenhower campaign is 1948: Henry Wallace gets renominated for VP in 1944, becomes president on FDR's death and gets the Democratic nomination against divided opposition in 1948. The GOP nominates Taft--or even worse from Ike's viewpoint, MacArthur. Ike runs as a "National Unity" candidate, against "the extremists and isolationists of both the far left and far right."
 
Actually, I think the best scenario for an independent Eisenhower campaign is 1948: Henry Wallace gets renominated for VP in 1944, becomes president on FDR's death and gets the Democratic nomination against divided opposition in 1948. The GOP nominates Taft--or even worse from Ike's viewpoint, MacArthur. Ike runs as a "National Unity" candidate, against "the extremists and isolationists of both the far left and far right."
How do you think that would end up? Who might Ike choose as a running mate?
 
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