AHC/WI:John McCain elected in 2008

With a POD of June 4th, 2008, how can John McCain be elected President and what would be the effects?

Note: McCain does not have to win the popular vote, but must win the electoral vote.
 
It is going to take a hell of a lot of things to change for that to happen.

No financial crisis, a better VP candidate, a worse Democratic candidate, either no Iraq war or better circumstances in the OTL Iraq war. Much like the election of 2016 the American people were tired of more of the same, so a lot will have to change to elect McCain or any other Republican in 2008.
 
With a POD of June 4th, 2008, how can John McCain be elected President and what would be the effects?

Note: McCain does not have to win the popular vote, but must win the electoral vote.

You will have more wars than OTL under Obama. Far more dangerous wars.
 
This is a bit crazy, but here I'll go. A brokered convention is forced between Clinton and Obama, with John Edwards releasing his delegates in exchange for the VP slot. Obama accepts, but is killed following the convention. Edwards takes over as the nominee, and picks Bill Richardson as his running mate. The Edwards affair story leaks out, with Edwards leaving the ticket in disgrace. Bill Richardson takes over, and picks Chris Dodd. The Richardson pay-for-play scandal comes out, with Richardson forced off the ticket. Dodd's banking scandals are a major drag, and the musical chairs of the Democratic nominee is Eagleton on steroids.
 
Top