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Most Americans don't believe the nation is ready for another major disaster, a new AP-Ipsos poll finds. The poll shows that 57 percent, say they feel the nation isn't ready to handle another major disaster.

Less than a third approve of President Bush's handling of Katrina. And about four in 10 say they worry about becoming a victim of a disaster like a hurricane, tornado or earthquake.

That's up from three in 10 two years ago.

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The pessimist and the paranoid?

The poll shows predictable results.

Those most likely to have very strong feelings that the country isn't ready to face another disaster include women over 45 years old, white women, those with a high school education or less, and Democrats.

Surprise.

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Only 31 percent of Americans approve of the way President Bush handled Hurricane Katrina - down from 46 percent a year ago. Only 17 percent of minorities approve of Bush's handling of Katrina, compared with 37 percent of whites.

Approval is lowest in the Northeast, where 23 percent approve, and highest in the Midwest, where 35 percent approve.

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The polling basically proves what many already knew. Those that depend on government for assistance (northeastern liberals and other democrats) are concerned that if a disaster does happen, they may have to fend for themselves.

Dems hope to cash in on this politically. On Monday, Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee planned to release a fresh report that summarizes instances where small businesses in the Gulf Coast region were hurt as limited- or no-bid contracts were awarded to politically connected large firms in the weeks after the storm, reports AP.

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The AP story concludes that Democrats are hoping to capitalize for the November congressional elections, such as among black and poor people, many of whom were unable to escape Katrina and the flooding it caused.

--Story/Analysis by Jim Roberts