Doreen Mattingly Bücher

A feminist, activist, and woman without a college education, Midge Costanza became an unlikely White House insider in 1977 as the first female Assistant to the President for Public Liaison under Jimmy Carter. She emerged as a key figure in the American culture wars, tasked with conveying the views of special interest groups to the president. Costanza championed progressive causes amid a growing national divide on critical issues. Doreen J. Mattingly, drawing on Costanza's personal papers, chronicles her dramatic rise and fall as a public figure, detailing her clashes with Carter and his aides. While advocating for abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and feminist policies, Costanza faced increasing pressure from the emerging Religious Right, which opposed her ideals. Ultimately marginalized within the White House and by fellow feminists, she was pressured to resign in 1978. Through Costanza's story, readers gain a unique perspective on the rise of debates that continue to shape the feminist movement and sexual politics today. Mattingly also reveals a complex narrative of gender politics in late 1970s Washington, a history that remains relevant in contemporary politics. This work is essential for anyone interested in sexual politics, female politicians, and presidential history.