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Hate is just misplaced fear. Its self-destructive and counterproductive. Look where all the Bill Clinton-hating got the republicans. Most people laughed at them for it.
That aside, hate can be a motivator if it is recognized as fear. But I don't think many people take that leap enough to say they are afraid of the "other guy" succeeding. Hating Bush or Clinton, for that matter, has always seemed like a waste of emotional energy. When you have a person in office that you disagree with, you swallow your pride, calm yourself down, and learn how to work with him to fix the problems you want fixed, while you bide your time until the next election. You do whatever it takes to get the problem solved, even if you can't take "credit" for getting it solved. If you want to see a solution to a problem, you work with him to get it done. If the solution isn't good enough? Tough shit, you go back to the drawing board and try to fix it again, and then you vote him out. If he gets voted in again? Tough shit, you rinse and repeat. You work your ass off and don't waste time standing around fuming about him which is where hate can easily lead you.
The nice thing about democracy is that things don't stay the same for too long.
The other problem with hate is that it can easily turn others off from your cause. Its fine to campaign on hating Bush, if you only want people who hate Bush to vote for you. People are suspect when it comes they see someone so filled with anger, as they should be. This is why I see it as a counterproductive emotion.
Vote.
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Lord, have mercy on my wicked soul
I wouldn't mistreat you baby, for my weight in gold.
-Son House, Death Letter Blues
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