WASHINGTON — There is no special art to the congressional recess town hall. But there is little doubt when one is going off the rails.

So perhaps it should surprise no one that so many lawmakers have chosen to avoid such outings with constituents during this two-week break from an institution most Americans disdain. There can be no viral video headaches from an event that never happened.

Still, among those adventurous enough to take on all comers, the forums have often been telling. Here is what we’ve learned, or relearned, during the recess so far:

Some Republicans have bigger targets on their backs. And know it.