WI: Ike '48

What would be the consequences of Ike throwing his hat into the ring in 1948... Truman's popularity was in the toilet and Ike could have easily grabbed the nomination from either party
 
The problem was Ike was absolutely adamant in his refusal. He was a lifelong Republican (as he told Truman at the time), so if by some near-ASB method the GOP convinces him to say yes, he gets the GOP nod and trounces Truman.
 
Does this destroy the relationship between Eisenhower and Marshall?

Can't imagine why.

This means that President Eisenhower has to defend the Korean War in 1952.

What if Ike won the Korean War prior to 1952, with fewer casualties? Actually, this could be an interesting POD - the Korean War w/ Ike in '48. Wonder what the Ike/Mac relationship would look like? Can't imagine Ike, as a general, taking the shit that Mac gave Truman from day 1.
 
Can't imagine why.



What if Ike won the Korean War prior to 1952, with fewer casualties? Actually, this could be an interesting POD - the Korean War w/ Ike in '48. Wonder what the Ike/Mac relationship would look like? Can't imagine Ike, as a general, taking the @#!*% that Mac gave Truman from day 1.

The US military is in piss-poor shape for the Korean War or any war for that matter. I doubt that Ike is going to have a massive military build-up without having a reason (US vowing never to be caught with its pants down in Korea) when the US defense relies entirely on the threat of nuclear annihilation.
 
To begin with the may not be a Korean War. John Foster Dulles would not have made the mistake that the Democrat Secretary of State did in leaving Korea out of the Strategic line. Thus the Russians would have prevented a North Korean Invasion of the South.
 
Can't imagine why.

Because Marshall is Truman's Sec State and they got along famously. Marshall was an undeniable asset for Truman in his re-election campaign.

This would be a fascinating subplot for the campaign because if Eisenhower challenges Truman's foreign policy he risks destroying his relationship with Marshall and the press would feast on this.

And remember, Eisenhower had no problem stabbing Marshall in the back in the 1952 campaign. So it could get bloody.
 
McCarthy never displayed any loyalty that I know of.

He was loyal to him succeeding. The majority of the earlier of McCarthy's victims were mostly of Democrats (New Deal = Communism in disguise logic). If he attacks the leader of his own party do not expect the Republicans who supported him at first to do the same thing as OTL.
 
Can't imagine why.



What if Ike won the Korean War prior to 1952, with fewer casualties? Actually, this could be an interesting POD - the Korean War w/ Ike in '48. Wonder what the Ike/Mac relationship would look like? Can't imagine Ike, as a general, taking the shit that Mac gave Truman from day 1.

well for one think Ike would not put up with his shit.... ike had plenty of practice dealing with egomaniacs in europe; patton FEARED ike; it would go down one of two ways

1. ike grabs mac, metaphorically by the nuts and informs him he will do exactly what he is told, how he is told with no objection, and that his position is soley for pr purposes, and that ike would be delighted to eliminate him on even the slightest whim

2. ike decides he doesn't want to deal with mac's bullshit and appoints one of his guys to command in korea (probably wade haislip who was ultra tight with ike and a highly experienced commander without a mega ego like mac or mark clark) haislip was a good general, he would do well in korea...... the ideal would be ike's bff alexander patch; unfortunately he passed away prior to korea after a freak infection... patch fought at guadalcanal and dragoon, and was a very modest and competent commander; he would have been ideal for a korean op run by ike
 
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