CNBC Anchor ‘Embarrassed’ by Media Obsessions with Palin Pregnancy

Sex sells, even during a presidential election. But that doesn't mean journalists have to be happy about it.

CNBC's "Squawk Box" co-host Joe Kernen took a moment during a panel discussion September 2 to take a shot at the onslaught of coverage over presumptive vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's daughter's pregnancy.

You know as a member of the media I'm just kind of embarrassed with the media. The media says, "Yeah it shouldn't matter, it's not going to matter, we're not going to cover it" and then they put it on the cover of every paper.

Earlier in the broadcast Kernen told chief Washington correspondent John Harwood he did not think the family incidence was as big a deal as the media was making it out to be:

Felt a little bit like the guy in Casablanca, shocked, you know: teen sex in Alaska, John. Probably not that much of a shocker I guess, right? Not a whole lot. I guess bowling, yeah, It's a little lonely probably up there, right, John? ... I don't understand everybody at the same time saying that this is not going to be a big deal ... the press is going to be responsible about this, Barack Obama please don't make anything of this, but then it's the cover of every paper like it, you know, like matters.

CNBC conducted the most recent interview with Palin before it was announced she would be on the GOP ticket with presumptive nominee Sen. John McCain. A few of the business network's staff have also jumped to Palin's defense amid negative media coverage.

CNBC's August 29 "Squawk on the Street" featured "Closing Bell" host Maria Bartiromo and "Kudlow & Company" host Larry Kudlow analyzing Republican presidential nominee McCain's decision to pick Palin as his running mate.

Bartiromo, who scored to most current interview with Palin after interviewing the governor for an upcoming CNBC special on energy, called her a "terrific choice."