So much for riot and mayhem in the streets. The “No Kings” movement rallies went off without a hitch, despite dire predictions by critics of failure and violence.

Moreover, the weather smiled on the demonstrators, lending a festive air to the proceedings.

Once again, the GOP critics proved wide of the mark with their apocalyptic predictions and alarmist rhetoric. Before this second round of protest, Republican officials called them nascent rebellions, if not out-and-out revolutions. The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, called them “hate America rallies,” which proved far from the truth.

Again, overstatement never helps your cause, and the GOP managed to prove, once again, the wisdom of the saying: “When in doubt, don’t.”

Whether or not the protests will have a profound impact remains to be seen, but the fierce reaction to a legal protest gave it legitimacy and importance. Johnson, particularly, is giving himself a seedy reputation with his over-the-top denunciations; perhaps he might be advised to simply do his job.

President Donald Trump has been ill-served by these actions. It wiped off his Middle Eastern achievements and the fact that he is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest.

Once more, the GOP manages to obscure White House messaging. Again, comparisons with Richard Nixon are apt, with negative comments dominating the news rather than positive achievements.

Indeed, Johnson, with his demeanor and schoolmaster style, coupled with his refusal to swear in a legally elected representative simply because she is a Democrat, projects weakness.

Never has Congress, or at least a particular branch, ever seemed so docile to the White House.

Again, despite having several advantages, this White House administration has managed to appear weak and defensive.

If it is about Jeffrey Epstein, then one must inquire: What does the administration fear? So far, Trump does not seem liable for any misbehavior, so what do they have to fear from documents relating to the case?

Pam Bondi has shown her loyalty and her talent for obstruction, but not skill or cleverness. President Trump has been ill-served by his allies.

The over-reactions to the march once more seem overdone. There can be a temporary event, but the more you distort these actions, the more they can have an adverse effect. Combined with the ill-conceived retribution campaign, they promised a threat where none existed. Previously, Trump has let his best side be obscured by constantly revisiting the past; as usual, he manages to make his own regime seem joyless, but it would be nice if he received a little help from his Republican friends.