'Are you kidding?' AP performs 'Olympic-level mental gymnastics' for report on how Republicans are weaponizing impeachment

Recently the House Intelligence Committee concluded the first round of impeachment inquiry hearings featuring witnesses who didn’t actually witness much of anything. The coming week will bring with it the start of more hearings in the Judiciary Committee. Here’s how the Associated Press has seen things play out so far (beverage warning):

Right now, Republicans are wielding impeachment mostly as an offensive weapon, and Democrats are generally playing defense or changing the subject as 2020 congressional races rev up. It's unclear how potent the issue will be by Election Day. https://t.co/yonM29cDP3

— The Associated Press (@AP) November 30, 2019

Now there’s a take.

I'm sorry, what? https://t.co/h2IcD1yAzZ

— NeoN: Automataster (@neontaster) November 30, 2019

Im sorry what https://t.co/qLKfw2xiJi

— Emily Zanotti’s Great & Unmatched Wisdom (@emzanotti) November 30, 2019

Out: Seizing and pouncing. In: Wielding.

I'm curious how Dems opening an impeachment inquiry with zero Republican votes

Is Rs playing offense

Is it just because they are kicking the Dems asses with this lame political smear? https://t.co/zCy48rZVAE

— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) November 30, 2019

The media spin is a great indicator of how this is all working out for the Democrats so far.

*Spits coffee.

The AP is saying REPUBLICANS are wielding impeachment as an offensive weapon?

— The Crisis In Danistan (@RealDanLee) November 30, 2019

Thanks for starting my day with a laugh. I’m looking forward to your Netflix comedy special.

— katewhompas (@KatEWhompas) November 30, 2019

Are you kidding? The Democrats are the ones "wielding" this. They refuse to reveal anonymous sources. They put witnesses who have personal vendettas. They try to intimidate Republicans who ask questions. @AP, this is ridiculous. https://t.co/fMsfNokgVA

— Jacob Airey (@realJacobAirey) November 30, 2019

Are the editors off this weekend? https://t.co/D19myEYbhW

— DaveinTexas (@DaveinTexas) November 30, 2019

This GIF has never been more appropriate pic.twitter.com/19e65HYVbo

— Ben Orr ?‍♂️ (@theREALbenORR) November 30, 2019

This, sadly, is what is considered journalism in this age. https://t.co/WBdqesLZPm

— Jack in the East (@talkradio200) November 30, 2019

pic.twitter.com/3MyHqq3aeM

— Password is Taco (@pw_is_taco1) November 30, 2019

They really had to do Olympic level mental gymnastics to reach this take. pic.twitter.com/vCgo1fBCCs

— Joe Passafiume (@ReallyJoePass) November 30, 2019

And for that they’d win another Gold.

You messed up @SpeakerPelosi https://t.co/Aek6oFQfYI

— Gus ?? (@Goose_Se7en) November 30, 2019

Shh! Don’t tell her.