Autobot leader in the Movie if Optimus was gone?

[Adzma]

I'd have to go with Ratchet since he's the most cool-headed of the trio.

The last thing we need is Ultra Magnus to make an appearance, there are enough white Prime's on the market. If done right he'd look neat though; a white Prime with ice-blue flames or something.

[GoktimusPrime]

The real BB should take leadership of the Decepticons!
"Hello Mr. Bay!"

As for the Autobots - the choice is obvious... Time Warrior!
"What's the time? Time to kick your a55!"

[griffin]

My thoughts were that Ironhide was too hot-headed, with little concern for collateral damage (bystanders, fleshlings), but would probably have the most tactical experience to lead in a conflict situation. Or he would just run in with all cannons blazing with no strategy.
Bumblebee appears to be more of a scout, but is pretty powerful as a warrior (defeated Barricade and Brawl). He also was trusted with the Allspark Cube, which would make him very important in the chain of command.
Ratchet on the other hand appears to be wise and reserved. His background as a medic may appear on the outside to be unlikely as a leader in a wartime environment, but sometimes the best way to survive a conflict is to avoid it in the first place. He doesn't appear to be a pacifist, but his experience as a medic would probably lead him to be more mindful on how best to avoid casualties in battle, and develop strategies that would result in less casualties for him to have to repair.
Out of the three, I'd agree that there is none that shines better than the others (which would actually make for a more interesting storyline), but Ratchet would be my vote - or at least, the one who would end up being the more successful leader if they were all put to the test.

[Soundwarp]

I say that they would need to introduce another character, say Ultra Magnus.

[GoktimusPrime]

Or he would just run in with all cannons blazing with no strategy.

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.

The thing that would make Ironhide ill-suited to be Autobot leader on Earth is that he seems too impulsive to lead a covert operation - on Earth anyway; this was particularly shown in Ironhide's willingness to rub out annoying humans. And "pacifist" Ratchet agreed with him!

[STL]

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.

Great point. I forgot about that.

[GoktimusPrime]

It was Ironhide who led the counteroffensive against the Decepticons at Mission City - well before Optimus Prime got on the scene. Ironhide even worked with Lennox's plan - "Get to the roof Sam, we will protect you!"

When Prime arrive, he basically followed on from Lennox and Ironhide's plan that was already in motion. Prime was well needed reinforcements for the Autobot-Human alliance, but it was Lennox and Ironhide who'd initially spearheaded that operation.

[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: