Think of Audie Murphy or Sylvester Stallone. When fighting they get stronger the more aggressive and mean spirited their opponent. The meanness and hostility feeds the strength of the the hero.
I expect someday we will have our truly American children's story with a character that fits this description: a the character who gains strength from the attacks on it.
In the meantime the reality of America is that three presidents have benefited from this unvocalized mythical creature who gains strength from the attacks on him: Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George Bush.
Now we have a new addition to the mythology: Sarah Palin. At the rate attacks on her are going, she will carry every state in the electoral college when she is elected president.
And Israel will become the most beloved of nations, based on popular opinion.
I have written my version of the myth which I call the Magic Dragon. Give me a good ending.