He tried unsuccessfully to become chairman of the National Governors Association to boost his visibility. On David Rockefeller's endorsement, he was named to the Trilateral Commission in April 1973. The following year, he was named chairman of both the Democratic National Committee's congressional and gubernatorial campaigns.[90] In May 1973, Carter warned his party against politicizing the Watergate scandal,[91] the occurrence of which he attributed to president Richard Nixon exercising isolation from Americans and secrecy in his decision making.[92]

1976 presidential campaign
Main article: Jimmy Carter 1976 presidential campaignFurther information: 1976 Democratic Party presidential primaries and 1976 United States presidential election
Carter and President Gerald Ford debating at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, November 1976
On December 12, 1974, Carter announced his presidential campaign at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. His speech contained themes of domestic inequality, optimism, and change.[93][94] Upon his entrance in the Democratic primaries, he was competing against sixteen other candidates, and was considered to have little chance against the more nationally known politicians like Wallace.[95] His name recognition was two percent, and his opponents derisively asked "Jimmy Who?".