Fox host Gretchen Carlson appeared perplexed that the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) addressed reporters at a press conference, though the CEA chairman spoke to the press on multiple occasions during George W. Bush's presidency.

On February 4, CEA Chairman Jason Furman briefed the press on a recent report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on the Affordable Care Act. On her show The Real Story, Gretchen Carlson covered the news conference, saying several times that Furman's briefing was an “unusual” occurrence:

CARLSON: Very unusual to have this right now, an explainer going on to reporters, no doubt to try to get out in front of the bad news about what Obamacare apparently does for jobs right here in America.

Despite Carlson's claim, it's not uncommon for the CEA chairman to address the press. During President George W. Bush's administration, CEA Chairman Edward Lazear held six press briefings in the official White House press room:

November 21, 2006: “CEA Chairman Edward Lazear Discusses the Administration's Latest Economic Forecast.”

November 29, 2007: “Press Briefing on the Administration's Latest Economic Forecast by CEA Chairman Edward Lazear.”

January 18, 2008: “Press Briefing by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Chaiman of the Council of Economic Advisors Ed Lazear.”

February 11, 2008: “Press Briefing by Edward Lazear, Chairman, Council of Economic Advisers on the Economic Report of the President.”

March 7, 2008: “Press Briefing by Dana Perino and Edward Lazear, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers and Keith Hennessey, Director of the National Economic Council.”

October 30, 2008: “Press Briefing by Press Secretary Dana Perino and Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Ed Lazear.”