Autobot leader in the Movie if Optimus was gone?

[iceburn]

I disagree. Ironhide seems to be a decent battlefield officer. When Starscream was closing in, it was Ironhide who first transformed and yelled, "It's Starscream!", enciting the other Autobots to transform and prepare for an offensive. Ironhide then quickly ordered Bumblebee to help him erect the Furby truck trailer as a shield/barrier. And he's by no means a reckless gunner in battle - his shots were all quite precise.

That proofs Ironhide makes a good warrior during battle but definitely not a leader (among the 3). What happened in the end with Bumblebee losing his legs. A real leader doesn't risk his men to get killed or be injured...so still going for Ratchet

[GoktimusPrime]

Ironhide is ill-suited as a leader on a covert mission like what the Autobots were doing on Earth. He's very good at direct combat tactics and achieving a decisive victory, but not very good at leading missions that require subterfuge and guile.

I don't know if Ratchet's much better though. Remember that Ratchet was in agreement with Ironhide when it came to "offing" Sam's parents for being highly annoying. Ratchet doesn't seem to have displayed much in battle initiative or charisma in the movie - merely following the directions of others.

I think that Jazz would be a good candidate if he hadn't been killed by Megatron as Jazz does show good charismatic initiative. Jazz led the Autobot counteroffensive against Devastator ("Decepticon punk!") and also led the defensive manoeuvres against Megatron; which is where Jazz fell in the line of duty. Had Jazz survived I think that he would've been a good replacement for Prime. And besides, he's next in rank anyway. d:

[iceburn]

agreed :P where's sari and her allspark key....

[Paulbot]

You jest, but give Mikaela something phallic like an All Spark Key to hold and watch the teenage (and adult) guys drool even more!

[GoktimusPrime]

heh. heh.