CNN analysts Tuesday noted a "more subdued" White House press secretary Sean Spicer — speculating the change might be "the post-Melissa McCarthy effect" after her spoof of him on "Saturday Night Live."
In a panel discussion, CNN's chief political analyst, Gloria Borger, brought up the apparent shift in tone.
"Overall, it was a little more subdued," she said.
"It's the post-Melissa McCarthy effect," added senior political reporter Nia-Malika Henderson.
"It was. It really was," agreed Borger. "It was very clear that the McCarthy improvisation on "Saturday Night Live" really affected Sean, and I think he was trying to tone it down today to a great degree."
The remarks were posted by Mediaite.
McCarthy's over-the-top roast of Spicer portrayed him as brash and bullying, taunting reporters, ramming one with a podium and shooting another with a water gun.
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