This mesmerizing account of the confirmation battle over our first female Chief Justice will change the way you think about the lives, the politics, and the psyches of those who govern. The twists and turns of court room, committee room, and Oval Office mirror today's headlines--only more probing, more revealing, and more fun. A riveting read.

On a cold day in January, President-elect Kerry Kilcannon takes the oath of office--and within days makes his first,most important move: appointing a new chief justice of the Supreme Court. Kilcannon"s choice is a female judge with abrilliant record. And a secret.

While the Senate spars over Caroline Masters"s nomination,an inflammatory abortion rights case is making its way toward the judge--and will explode into the headlines.Suddenly, the most divisive issue in America turns the president"s nomination into all-out war. And from Judge Masters to a conservative, war-hero senator facing a crisis of conscience and a fifteen-year-old girl battling for her future, no one will be safe. Protect and Defend takes us on ariveting journey between what is legal, what is right...and the price of finally knowing the difference.