Washington ? President Bush has convinced a majority of Americans about the need for military action against Iraq, but he has more work to do in convincing them that his economic policies are effective, according to a new poll.

The CBS-New York Times poll indicated that six in 10 Americans believe the economy is in bad condition. Only 38 percent approve of the president’s handling of the economy, while 53 percent disapprove. That’s the lowest rating on the economy the president has gotten in this poll during his presidency.

Worries about the economy are matched by rising fears of terrorist attacks. Four in five said they thought another terrorist attack was likely in the near future.

With that combination of fears about the economy and terrorism, the public mood about the direction of the country was gloomy. Just more than a third, 35 percent, said the country was headed in the right direction, while 56 percent said it was on the wrong track.

Bush’s job approval was at 54 percent, the lowest it has been in this poll since before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.