Ninety-nine percent chance this was a dismissive joke aimed at the media’s undue panic over the briefings, one percent chance it reflects Trump’s thinking precisely. Don’t forget, “looking the part” is important to the president, especially when it comes to his official spokesman.

How can you bring a man to meet the Pope if he’s not looking his best?

If Bannon’s going to joke, though, he should really own it. “The fog around Russiagate is getting thicker!” “And Sean’s getting laaaaarger.”

[I]nstead of canceling [the daily briefings] entirely, the White House has appeared to embrace a different strategy: simply downgrading them bit by bit, from “briefings” to “gaggles,” and from on-camera to off-camera. Guidance for the briefings have begun to include a note that audio from them cannot be used. Additionally, though Trump has held short press conferences when foreign leaders visit, he has not held a full press conference since February…

Neither Spicer nor deputy press secretary Sarah Sanders responded to queries about the changes to the briefings. Asked why the briefings are now routinely held off-camera, White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said in a text message “Sean got fatter,” and did not respond to a follow-up.

The only humiliation Spicer has yet to endure from the White House is being seated in a dunk tank in the Oval Office for Trump’s amusement. Which is probably what his new “promotion” entails. Anyway, let’s go to the videotape. Spicer, January 21st:

Spicer, June 12th:

I’m not seeing it. I see how the light’s gone out of his eyes and how his pale tone suggests he dreams of death’s sweet release from his labors, but extra acreage? Nah. The man’s a Naval reservist, remember. Gotta stay in fighting shape.

Here’s Laura Ingraham, rumored yesterday to be in talks to replace Spicer, not quite denying that she’s thinking about it.