The Confirmation

by Ralph Reed

Newly elected U.S. president Bob Long is weighing reports of nuclear weapons in Iran when he learns Justice Peter Corbin Franklin, 86-year-old liberal conscience of the Supreme Court, has suffered a massive stroke. With pressing same-sex marriage and abortion laws as well as a huge antitrust case on the court's docket, the door is open for Long to appoint a conservative replacement, repaying the twenty-one million evangelicals who voted for him.

But it won't be that easy. Long suffers a series of political missteps while his court nominee, Marco Diaz, endures vicious character accusations in the media for his religious beliefs and rumors of a tragic past.

Meanwhile, terrorists in Iran have hijacked more nuclear materials and are threatening to bomb a major city if the U.S. or Israel attacks. Chaos reigns in the nation's capitol . . .

Praise for The Confirmation :

"A roller coaster ride of a political thriller. You won't be able to put it down."

Mark R. Levin , nationally syndicated radio host
New York Times best-selling author of Liberty and Tyranny

"As a participant in Supreme Court confirmations as a member of the United States Senate, I know The Confirmation weaves a tale that, while fictional, is true. Ralph Reed shines a bright light on the backroom deals, special-interest-group pleading and the politics of personal destruction that plague judicial confirmations, but he does so in a way that is ultimately hopeful and inspiring."

Rick Santorum , former U.S. Senator (R-PA)

“If you think ‘it can’t happen here,’ then don’t read this book.  The Confirmation reminds me of the old dramas which concluded by  stating, ‘Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.’ The Confirmation is only part fiction---the issues are as real as a massive heart attack.”  John Ashcroft , U.S. Attorney General, 2001-2005

Genres: Fiction, Politics, Christian, Christian Fiction

408 pages, Paperback

First published August 27, 2010

Reviews

[DiNapoli Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find this as intresting as Dark Horse. Felt as if the established characters were hollow and less compelling this time. And that unlike Dark Horse that the political gamesmanship was less genuine and unrealistic, especially the Maria Solis and Pennymounter (really?) resolutions.

[Rev. M. M. Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been said that those who love good sausage or good government should never watch either one being made. Whether or not that is true about the sausage is up in the air, but one cannot naively believe in the pristine nature of government after reading Ralph Reed's account of the confirmation of a Supreme Court Justice. In the pen of a more secular author the process may have been a bit sleazier, but Mr Reed hints at the dirty politics without explicitly portraying it. His politicians are not Simon Pure but like the Nixon tape transcripts the expletives are deleted although you know they were used. Likewise, sex takes place off-stage although, like old Hollywood movies, there's no doubt about what happened even if it's only a lingering trace of a cigarette.

A newly-elected President of the United States who has been chosen by the House of Representatives after a deadlock in the Electoral College (he ran as as independent after splitting from the Democratic Party and refusing to support their liberal candidate). In the first weeks of his term, the "liberal voice" on the Supreme Court suffers an incapacitating stroke. When the Justice dies (even as the House attempts to impeach him) the President must nominate a replacement. This brings into play a number of forces both inside and outside of government maneuvering to get a candidate of their own liking. It is no surprise to those who know of Mr. Reed's past as head of the Christian Coalition that the major players are the religious right (which he knows well) and a militant pro-choice, pro-feminist PAC. Each group tries to sway the Senators to prevent the President's choice from being confirmed. Recent confirmation battles have shown us some of this but the novel takes us right into the heart of the action.

Overall, this was a good story but it was marred by a number of production errors which should have been caught in the proofreading. Like the expletives he leave out, Mr. Reed should have left out any foreign languages; in some Italian scenes "buon giorno" comes out "bonjourno" and I don't think it was meant to imitate a bad American accent. There are some egregious mistakes with people's names like Medicci rather than Medici and Anton rather than Antonin Scalia (and one would expect that Justice Scalia would be one of Mr. Reed's heroes). There is a fondness for overusing commas or placing them between the adjective and the noun. I have to wonder if the novel was being subsidized like a movie where companies pay for placement of their products onscreen. Clothing, shoes, soft drinks and liquor are often mentioned by brand name. As an evangelical Christian, perhaps Mr. Reed should not be expected to know the proper terminology when speaking about the sacraments of another church but when the character speaking is a Catholic, he should know that no Catholic would ever refer to a priest "taking" his confession; the operative verb is "hearing".

In the age of Trump, there is nothing in this novel that is surprising or even unbelievable. Written in 2010, it now seems strangely prescient.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book deals with the chaos, drama, and undermining that goes on behind the scenes in D.C. I’m not into politics that heavily, so didn’t think I would enjoy this book. I did, however, enjoy it to some extent. The story was face-paced and once I got far enough into the book it was easy to finish – though that took a little while. While I doubt I will pick it up again, I enjoyed getting a better look of how things are done in the White House and what a behind-the-scenes peak into the madness would be like. After finishing this book – which was filled with extreme pressure, dirty scandals, under the table dealings, backstabbing, and controlling possible leaks to the media – I know I wouldn’t want to go into politics! :-)

The book begins with the election of the new president, Bob Long – former California governor and the first independent president. He has big shoes to fill. Hard subjects like abortion and same-sex marriages are highly debated and fought. There are threats of nuclear warfare and terrorism. When Supreme Court Justice Peter Franklin suffers a stroke, the tension in the book heightens. Both “sides” in D.C. are realistically explained, confirming that this author is well knowledge in politics – always a plus to have authors write things that they really know about on a personal level.

With all that said, there are a few warning flags I need to throw out there for younger readers. There are several issues I had with some scenes in this book - women use their looks to coerce men into seeing things their way and men crudely study and talk about women’s features. There was one ‘romance’ between Jay and Gabriella that I wasn’t comfortable with – a lot of sensuality and physical description and touching. When a scene came with the two of them I skipped over the pages. And along with their romance there were a few other characters with the same problem – either having an inappropriate romance or men making crude comments about women.

While I wouldn’t recommend this book to teens, an adult would probably enjoy and appreciate the political truths and conspiracy. Be forewarned that there are many characters in this book and I often got confused who was who or forgot who a certain character was. Good thing I can flip back through the pages, though I would have preferred if it had fewer characters it focused on. Overall, it was an interesting novel and would be the perfect book for someone who enjoys politics.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sensational book by Ralph Reed, this time tackling the ugly world of congressional confirmation of a Supreme Court justice. I could not put this book down and was drawn in mainly by the thoroughness of the political detail Reed uses and the untertones of abuse of power, but in this case, taken from the side one might not be used to hearing.

Reed begins where DARK HORSE leaves off the new president is in the White House. We have an ailing justice whose ability to decide legal matters is compromised. The House of Reps steps in and tries to take things into their own hands. When it becomes apparent that the White House will have to nominate someone to fill the vacancy, it becomes a feeding frenzy like no other. I do not want to tip my hand too much, but the following 400 pages are pure political gold, especially if you have read and loved DARK HORSE or tuned in to WEST WING.

Oh yes, and we do see the return of the fundamentalist group that made things so chaotic for the Republicans during the presidential election. All I will say is, IRAN!

Some issues brought up by Reed are those that are so very common in nominations and confirmations. Both parties line up their attacks based on ideological and moral grounds, trying to use these litmus tests as a means of deciding how a potential justice will rule. Reed turns this on its head and uses Democrats as the witch hunters in this instance, pushing a pro-choice agenda. Subtly, but effectively, Reed mocks left of centre senators as they try to lynch the prospective nominee, which ends in disaster on many fronts.

We also see, again, the power of the evangelical vote and pulpit to effect policy change. Lobbying is not left to the NRA and other PAC groups, but is very strongly present in the world of the evangelical. While I usually shy away from the GOD IS GOOD type books, Reed does not try to convert me, but makes a very convincing argument about their ability to move things along.

I cannot say enough about this awesome book and am looking forward to BLOOD AND BALLOTS, to see how mid-term elections turn out.

Mr. Reed, while I do not espouse your political beliefs, you tell a great story. Keep it up!

[Chickadee · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy political fiction and drama, don’t miss out on The Confirmation by Ralph Reed.


This is a very fast paced, exciting story and is the follow up book to Reed’s debut novel, Dark Horse. I like how this book grabs the reader and takes off right from the first page. The story is relevant to today’s headline news and makes for a fast moving page turner. Readers are taken behind the scenes to life in the White House which is full of back-stabbing, undermining and drama.

As former California governor, Bob Long assumes his new presidency he also assumes the threats of terrorism and nuclear warfare along with hard-core issues of abortion, sex scandals and same-sex marriage that have been plaguing the White House. As tensions mount, Supreme Court Justice Peter Corbin Franklin suffers a stroke and his life hangs in the balance.

With his recovery uncertain, President Long finds himself possibly facing the decision of replacing Justice Franklin, a decision that could cause long term fall out for his presidency. The White House goes on death watch, waiting for news about the Justice’s prognosis. The President begins to feel pressure from all sides as he finds himself at a crossroads, ultimately having to choose between doing the right thing or caving to those who want to manipulate him.

There is a lot of action and characters to keep up with in this story, but if you enjoy political fiction this story will keep you reading long into the night.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

MOM'S REVIEW:

A must-read for anyone interested in how our government functions nowadays...this is an action-packed drama that keeps you interested, and yet could be right out of our newspapers today. Ralph Reed has been on the inside and knows his stuff.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Newly elected U.S. president Bob Long is weighing reports of nuclear weapons in Iran when he learns Justice Peter Corbin Franklin, 86-year-old liberal conscience of the Supreme Court, has suffered a massive stroke. With pressing same-sex marriage and abortion laws as well as a huge antitrust case on the court's docket, the door is open for Long to appoint a conservative replacement, repaying the twenty-one million evangelicals who voted for him.

But it won't be that easy. Long suffers a series of political missteps while his court nominee, Marco Diaz, endures vicious character accusations in the media for his religious beliefs and rumors of a tragic past.

Meanwhile, terrorists in Iran have hijacked more nuclear materials and are threatening to bomb a major city if the U.S. or Israel attacks. Chaos reigns in the nation's capitol . . .

* * * * *

This review copy was provided courtesy of B&H Publishing but the opinions expressed are my own.

[Chad in the ATL · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Confirmation is a political thriller with simply no thrills. Contrived dialog, ravenous clichés and a plot bordering (or not) on ridiculous creates a tiring narrative. Most of Reed’s time seemed to be spent on setting scenes instead of moving the story. He spent copious amounts of the book identifying every article of clothing of every single character...in excruciating detail. The plot itself requires everyone to be so ignorant of everything going on around them as to be farcical. The result...The Confirmation fails to entertain and is at times simply painful to read. If you have an interest in political intrigue, there are literally hundreds of better written books for you to choose from including The Whole Truth, by David Baldacci (4 stars, Recommended). Short of that, you might be better served turning on C-SPAN.

[Donna Huber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if it was election year fatigue, but I found it difficult to get into this book. Maybe it was all the political wheeling and dealing that occurred in the book just rubbed me the wrong way. I know it happens in real life. I think this was suppose to be Christian fiction, but I didn't think the religious right was written in any more of flattering light that the liberal left. I mean they spent $6 million in tv ads for a Supreme Court nominee. That $6 million could have fed a lot of starving children and I do believe Christians are called to look after the poor, the widowed, the orphaned, not to play politics.

The plot was okay. If this was suppose to be a political thriller I don't think it was much of a thriller or supense novel. If you are wanting a look in the political process, then this might be your book.

I received this book from an ArmchairBEA giveaway.

[Linda B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Confirmation is about a newly elected U.S. president and his attempt to appoint a conservative to replace a recently deceased liberal in the Supreme Court. It is a realistic and often depressing tale of the vicious attacks and nasty political maneuvers that take place all over this country.

I follow the news and political scene faithflully and I love thrillers, so I thought this book would be perfect for me. Unfortunately, althought I thought this was an interesting book, I didn’t love it. There were too many characters to keep track of, and most of them did not add to the story. There were promised storylines that went nowhere, and no one really comes out looking good in this book.

Reading this book is like finding out how sausage is made.

[Sharon M Bressen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was received from LibraryThing under the Early Reviewers program.

Reading this book, just reminded me of all the dirty political maneuverings that our country’s elected officials and the media are constantly using to manipulate the running of this great nation. Sometimes I wonder if it is so important…who we elect? According to the story, we (the people) votes do not count.

Everyone in the novel is working deals, scheming and plotting and the scary part is there is so much that rings true that there is no way you can’t believe that Washington doesn’t run like this narrative.

Couldn’t wait to finish the book. Main beefs about the book were: too many characters, slow start, too many details of incidentals, depressing and am sick of the subject of our political system.

[Kaitlyn Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandal, backroom deals, corruption...its politics, so what's new? Well, what's refreshing is the authenticity with which the author wrote, the thrilling storyline, and somehow managing to leave me with a bit of hope for the future. There were a lot of view points being thrown around in this book and I felt that the author definitely had his own point of view, but he was not disrespectful to the opposition, and presented both sides quite well...

To read the full review over at The Book Buff, click here: http://thebookbuff.blogspot.com/2010/...

-Kate the Book Buff

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a follow on to Ralph Reed's book Dark Horse - another political thriller. It examines in detail the inside political workings of the confirmation process for a candidate to the US Supreme Court. As in the previous book, it lays out in sordid detail the manipulations, intrique, and downride illegal tricks used by both parties during the process. It reemphsized the fact that I sure would never want anything to do with the political process and raises some real trepidations re how our country is run. Well written, even though the political intrigue is discusting.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Political drama that reads liks something out of the Washington Post or Newsweek. High stakes for the players involved, although the Iranian nuclear weapon angle was not as well-developed as the rest of the story.

You can read the rest of my review by clicking on the link below. I write about Christian fiction for Examiner.com

http://www.examiner.com/christian-fic...

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It gave me some insight into what the American political system is like (I am Canadian). It did have some slow parts and gave you hints at other sub-plots that I thought would get more attention but didn't seem to go anywhere, but overall I enjoyed the story and feel like I learned something at the same time. I would recommended it.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed it.... in addition to all of the political suspense, it gives a great look at the process for a Supreme Court nomination and what goes on behind the scenes...kind of scary, but a very interesting read

[Margaret Chind]

*Thanks to Julie Gwinn for providing a copy for review.*

-- Look for a review to come...

[Jerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

started good but quickly faded into nothingness

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced political thriller, showing what goes on in political debates and decisions, and what a nasty business it can be. A good read, and a sad commentary on our government.

[Cranbery · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like his politics, but did love Dark Horse........thought I would try this one, too!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book!

[Dan Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read. Gets into the details of the Washington politics of confirming a Supreme Court justice.

[Hal Rothman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great example of just how boring the political world is in which we have no control....

[Ann Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't sure whether to give it 2 or 3 stars - fast moving but all that conniving corruption was very depressing.

[Bruce Harbour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about the wheeling and dealings around confirming a new Supreme Court judge to the bench which still allows Roe v Wade as the licence to murder the unborn