Some conservatives insisted upon unity with Bush after 9/11 (certainly, there was no fairness or unity before then), and to some extent it was there for about 18 months.  I don't think conservatives were ever right to ask for "unity" - let alone demand it.  Democrats and liberals were right to protest those who tried to shut down debate with calls for "unity" (what many of those same individuals didn't show is respect or dignity in their ceaseless and highly personal attacks on Bush from day one). I want dissent from both sides, but I also want it with the recognition that we're still all Americans with much in common and with respect and dignity.  Often, disagreement is falsely equated with disrespect for emotional or tactical reasons, but that is not logically or practically necessary.

I do think that what we should demand is dignity and respect from both sides, even in disagreement.  The "losing coach" doesn't go to mid-field after the loss because they are "unified" or happy about the loss or even believe the victor was better (and often sports, like life, doesn't reward the "better" team, except in a sort of "definitional" way if you define victory as better on that given day) - they go to mid-field out of respect and with dignity. I'd note that winners can just as easily show disrespect and lack of dignity in winning, as well.