In the weeks before the inauguration, newspaper and magazine stories discussed the possible political role of the woman Jimmy Carter called his “best friend and chief advisor.” Papers reported her plans to be an active first lady who would hold frequent press conferences. Her press secretary said Mrs. Carter would play a role as a policy advisor, advocate for programs for mental health and older Americans, and work for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. The incoming first lady’s December trip to Mexico for the inauguration of President José López Portillo received coverage even though she was not part of the official American delegation. In an interview about her new role, Mrs. Carter acknowledged her partnership with her husband but described herself as someone to “bounce ideas off,” rather than an advisor.

 “Rosalynn Carter may well turn out to be an active presidential wife in the mold of Eleanor Roosevelt, her heroine.”
—Time magazine, December 13, 1976