You can be sure that when the choreography of a political event emphasizes symbolism, it's usually at the expense of content. So it was with the Democratic show of unity at tiny Unity, NH (population 2,100). Lots of smiles, promises to work together, and Hillary and Obama trading compliments. Obama emphasized how much the country and the Democrats owe Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Hillary (Bill was not there) said it was important for her supporters to vote for Obama in November.

It was a long way to go to get a photo op with “Unity Town Hall” in the background.

The two erstwhile opponents do, in fact, need each other. In that sense the unity message is sincere enough. Hillary wants Obama's backers to cough up $22 million so she doesn't have to eat her campaign debt. Obama wants the votes and money of “die hard” Hillary backers. But it seems that you can't just say this and be done with it. The symbolism demands that you pretend that the harsh attacks of the last year didn't really happen and that the Party is really one big happy family.

So earlier in the week, there was Obama's call to his top donors to pay Clinton's “vendor debt” — as if Hillary can't go on unless her “campaign” pays her back the millions she loaned it. Then came Thursday's joint appearance in Washington — no cameras, please! — before Hillary's top fund raisers. Obama spread the love by writing his own check to Hillary for $2,300.

Media observers seem to think this is all good. What's more important than unity — even if it is just symbolic?