Nation: I've Never Won an Argument with Her

She would be, some said, a sort of assistant President, a second Eleanor Roosevelt, a presidential wife of high purpose and influence. But after 18 months in the White House, Rosalynn Carter remains something of an enigma, her public statements rare, her public activities largely ignored. She seems to be the First Lady nobody knows.

On the Carters' trip to Germany, Rosalynn delighted the burgomaster of Linz by grabbing his arms and rushing him into a polka-like Schunkeltanz in the street. She captivated Chancellor Helmut Schmidt's wife, Loki, who invited herself along on sightseeing...