NEW YORK — More than half the country fears a Trump presidency. And only about a third of Americans believe he is at least somewhat qualified to serve in the White House.
In the final sprint to Election Day, a new Associated Press-GfK poll underscores those daunting roadblocks for Donald Trump as he tries to overtake Hillary Clinton.
Forty-four percent say they would be afraid if Clinton, the former secretary of state, is elected, far less than the 56 percent who say the same of Trump.
Trump undoubtedly has a passionate base of support, seen clearly among the thousands of backers who fill the stands at his signature rallies. But most people don’t share that fervor. Only 29 percent of registered voters would be excited and just 24 percent would be proud should Trump prevail in November.
Only one in four voters find him even somewhat civil or compassionate, and just a third say he’s not at all racist.
To be sure, the nation is sour on Clinton, too. Only 39 percent of voters have a favorable view of the Democratic nominee, compared to the 56 percent who view her unfavorably. Less than a third say they would be excited or proud should she move into the White House.
But as poorly as voters may view Clinton, they think even less of Trump.
That deep disdain for both candidates prompts three-quarters of voters to say that a big reason they’ll be casting their ballot is to stop someone, rather than elect someone.
“It’s not really a vote for her as much as it’s a vote against Trump,” said Mark Corbin, 59, a business administrator and registered Democrat from Media, Pennsylvania.
Roughly half of voters see Clinton at least somewhat qualified, while just 30 percent say Trump is. The poll found 71 percent say Clinton is only slightly or not at all honest, while 66 percent say the same of Trump.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
