Fear Factor: Americans scared of their presidential options

WASHINGTON (AP) — The vast majority of Americans say they are afraid of at least one of the two major candidates – Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump – winning the White House, a remarkable finding that reflects an unsettled nation unhappy with its choice.

Eighty-one percent of Americans say they would feel afraid following the election of one of the two polarizing politicians, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll. That includes a quarter who say it doesn't matter who wins: They're scared of both.

Three-quarters of voters say their pick for president is motivated by a desire to cast their Election Day ballot against Clinton or Trump, more than those who say they're voting for the candidate who shares their positions on the issues or is the most qualified to hold the office.

Said Dennis Fernandez, 67, of Florence, Ariz.: "If Hillary Clinton won, I'd probably consider suicide. I'm definitely not a fan."

And Lawrence James, 55, of Durham, N.C., said: "If Trump wins, well, we've already checked out Malta and New Zealand. I'm just not comfortable that he's not going to make rushed, uninformed decisions."

On the eve of the summer's political conventions, at which the general election campaign officially begins, the latest AP-GfK findings underscore the deep sense of unease that is sharpening the political divide in America and shaping an already nasty race for president.

So much so that notable numbers of Americans even have negative views about the candidate they want to win: 14 percent of both Trump's and Clinton's supporters say they're backing a candidate they don't like.