Are we being set up finally for a real battle for leadership between Jack and Sayid?

Jack had been the leader of the survivors since they landed on the island. Jack is the one who save lives (Boone,and Rose's), he found water for them when they were thristy. He found shelter from the sun , (the Cave). He hatch a plan to capture Ethan. Jack is the one person that everyone trusted, and the one person everyone went to when they had a problem. But Jack hasn't been making good decisions lately,and he seem to dismiss Sayid 's opinion way too often. It was Jack who trusted Ben, and tried to dismiss him as being an other, until Sayid found out the truth. When Michael return, Jack welcome him back without questioning where he's been. It was Sayid who pointed out that Micheal had been compromise. Hurley brought up that Jack was the obvious reluctant leader, and with Jack bringing back Juliet and being an Other sympathizer, Jack might fall out of favor. I think Sayid will like emerge as the new leader. Sayid is getting tired of Jack dismissing him all the time. I also do not think people will trust Jack as much as they did before.

So do you think there will be a battle for leadership between Jack and Sayid. if so, who would you root for?

So do you think there will be a battle for leadership between Jack and Sayid. if so, who would you root for?

I like Sayid and would definitely follow him...but I think we are setting up for a Jack/Sawyer split. There should be real dissension amongst the Losties if it's learned that Jack opted to leave everyone behind.

I would side with Sayid just because he seems to have a better understanding and a natural doubt about people. Save for the sail boat incident in the beginning of the season, he seems to have a fairly good track record.

I like Sayid and would definitely follow him...but I think we are setting up for a Jack/Sawyer split. There should be real dissension amongst the Losties if it's learned that Jack opted to leave everyone behind.

True. Once the survivors learn that Jack made a deal with the other, like Micheal did, they might no longer trust him. Add that to the fact that he is bringing alone Juliet,he might fall out of favor. He might even get "banish" to another part of the island.

I would side with Sayid just because he seems to have a better understanding and a natural doubt about people. Save for the sail boat incident in the beginning of the season, he seems to have a fairly good track record.

Sayid is the smartest one on the island. I would trust him over Jack, and day. I thought it was strange that Sayid was able to check out otherville, while Jack was still unconscious . I think Sayid might start to become start suspicious of Jack.

I would back Sayid up.

Jack is getting annoying... dismissing him about bringing Juliet back to the beach is uncalled for.

But hey, anything can happen... Sayid might be the annoying brat next.... the stress of living in that island can bring about unpredictable behavior.

My vote would definitely be with Sayid! I think he is a much stronger person inside than Jack, and I also agree if the Losties find out Jack was planning on leaving they will not trust him anymore.

Time for Sayid to shine!! :biggrin:

Sayid's ability to assess situations and characters is the best of the Losties by far. That being said, he is also the biggest threat to Juliet and to Jack if Jack chooses to support Juliet. If Jack would listen to him, he would make a terrific advisor for Jack, the leader. If I had to choose between the two of them, right now I'd go with Sayid because he hasn't been compromised by the Others.

As much as I love Jack (...and I do. A rare trait I know.), I think I would choose Sayid as a leader. He's really able to do well in high stress situations (wait...isn't that all the time?) and like others have said, is a stronger person. Just my opinion.

Sayid, he seems to be the most "grown-up", if that makes any sense.

Jack just seems like a horny, frustrated guy.

Sayid, he seems to be the most "grown-up", if that makes any sense.

Jack just seems like a horny, frustrated guy.


Don't much agree with your interpretation of Jack, but I would go with Sayid too.
I have loved Sayid since the first time I saw him. He's a character you could trust with your life I think, if you are both on the same side that is! I wouldn't want to be that guys enemy! My favorite character is Locke and I would still trust Sayid to protect me rather than Locke. Locke isn't stable, let's just get it out there in the open! I love the guy but he isn't a leader for the people. Sayid is.

Sayid. I thought he should have been the leader from the beginning but he took himself out of the "running". Without that little bump in the beginning there is no reason Sayid shouldn't be leader and the losties would be better off having him as so. Plus, he's THE toughest guy on the island, all else aside.

I think Jack was a good "natural" choice of leader in the beginning, since he was good at voicing his opinions and mobilizing people to help out around camp. They seemed to have a natural trust in him. I think things might change when he brings Juliet.

Personally I would love to see Sayid take on more of a leadership role. He has the better judgement, in my opinion. Especially now that Jack's reasoning has likely been compromised by his feelings towards Juliet (whether they be romantic or otherwise, he seems to trust her.) Jack always was a bit more rash and impulsive in his decisions, whereas Sayid usually keeps his cool.

All hail Sayid. I love the character and I'm so glad he's still alive and he's definitely an asset, but a leader? Not so much. His paranoia and uncontrollable need for revenge make him a bad choice for leader. Locke was the first person to exploit this aspect of Sayid's personality by making him suspicious of Sawyer. Sayid didn't torture Sawyer for the inhalers, he wasn't even interested in Jack's battle to get the inhalers until Locke told him he should consider that it was Sawyer that hit him over the head. Sayid tortured Sawyer out of revenge and nearly accidentally killed him in the process.

Sayid tortured Henry needing revenge for Shannon's death and then sent his friends off on a dangerous mission seeking further revenge for Shannon's death. Remember, Jack wanted to confront Michael and make him talk, Sayid is the one that thought it was best to make Michael lead them to Others. Why? Did the great torturer suddenly feel he couldn't get Michael to talk and tell him where the Others were or did he want a confrontation, a surprise attack, so he could kill some of them?

Juliet is the last Other left and Sayid wants to just leave her there? Regardless of which brain Jack was thinking with there, taking her back with them was the smart thing to do because they can pick her brain whether it's Sayid threatening a woman with bodily harm (am I the only person that finds that disturbing) or Jack having some interesting pillow talk, finding out more about the Others is their best chance of figuring out how to fight them.

Jack has made some bad decisions, but the difference between Jack and any other potential leader on the island is that Jack's decision are typically based on what is best for the group and not on what Jack wants or needs.

Jack.

I love Sayid, but I don't think his judgement is the best. He was convinced that Sawyer had Shannon's medicine in season one, and he tortured him for it... Sawyer really didn't have it.
Sayid's anger overcomes him. Jack lets his emotions get in the way sometimes, but people don't get tortured as a result. Sayid is more of a 'shoot now, ask questions later' type.

As much as I like Sayid, I think he'd make a horrible leader. He's strong, but he's not a leader of men. I think flyer61055 die an excellent job of explaining why. Sayid is vengeful, and that is not something you want in a leader. As Jack said "Live together, die alone" and he's one of the few people to have actually stuck with that philosophy. Sayid is much too introspective and isolated.

Sayid. Hands down for me. Jack's emotional baggage seems to be working against him.

At least Sayid is trying to get some answers. Answers that will at least help guide our survivors on the best possible path for their continued existence on the island.

Well it's up again Jack, Sayid and Locke.

Saiyd and Locke seem too dangerous as leaders.

Since we did see that "a new leader will rise up and has a dangerous motivation" But we found it was Locke anyway.

S1: Saiyd alone ventured into the jungle, since he could of stay here, he seemed to want to have no choice but to scout the island, since he didn't want to get involved with anything and get violent, even without a order from Jack. But he could of asked anyone like Kate to go along with him. So what kind of leader is that? Saiyd looks like a second in command guy, who interrogates and causes violence to his victim. He gets over emotional. Like when blames it on him for Shannon's death. But Jack has to be season 1 leadership type of guy when saving everyone.

S2: It seems like Jack and Locke were arguing about what they can or cannot do. It looked a leadership fight to me.

S3: When we saw Locke/Jack parallel scene when he wakes up, it seemed like Locke was the leader. Or a fore-shadowing for the leader of the others. But the thing is, if he is going to be leader, what about Jacob? But it all depends on Jacob being on the same island as the others are.

S4: It would be appear, that Jack and Ben(all depends, it might be Locke) are leaders again to their tribe, or Locke is the leader of the others, and Jack is the leader of the plane crash survivors. Marsha Thompson(forgot her character name) and Danielle sorta don't know which side they are on, and it questions though out the season. I think
Marsha would try to stop Penny from reaching the island by setting up alot of radio decoys to stop detecting the island after another flash anomaly activates. Danielle would do anything to get Alex, and try to cause a distraction to find her. Soon enough, we find out all she wants to Alex, and tries to leave the island by Desmond's boat. But fails. Marsha, i don't know about her, i don't think she would want to leave the island.

Sorry about that, i went to theory mode.

I think Sayid makes a great General. Someone to have backing you, advising you, even doing the dirty work, but, as much as I love his character, I don't think he'd be good in the number 1 position. But I don't think much of Jack either. He doesn't think clearly or logically, he's not a good motivator, and constantly puts himself (their only doctor) in danger.

Definitely Sayid. He's rarely wrong about assessing people, and he's without a doubt, the most clear-headed and cool in rough situations. I feel like if the rest of the Losties would stop running around like chickens with their heads cut off and just LISTEN to sayid, they wouldn't be as "totally screwed"...to quote Hurley.

I agree, hello earth. Sayid is a great general, a great vice-president. But I don't think he'd be the best one to be the big leader. Jack's got a certain sort of charisma and an aura of trustworthiness about him. I'd prefer Jack over Sayid even though Sayid is awesome as well. I just don't think that Sayid would make a great leader. After all, the Losties elected Jack over Sayid, didn't they?

Sayid is a driver, he is too driven, practical, and impatient to ever be a sufficient leader. He doesn't put up with crap and he takes matters into his own hands to get the job done as he sees fit. He doesn't waste time.

His character has ALWAYS been used by the writers to tell the truth/foreshadow about other people on the island. And his flashback episodes are always used as big reveals.

And the Losties always get bitten for not listening to him in the first place.

Sayid, he a great judge of character, he knows when people are lying or trying to double cross him.

Jacks a bit dim and gullible compared to Sayid.

Jack is more reasonable than Sayid. Sayid is a soldier, but he needs someone to follow. Sayid wanted to leave Julia behind, now that is the act of a savage, somebody from "Lord of the Flies".

I think Sayid makes a great General. Someone to have backing you, advising you, even doing the dirty work, but, as much as I love his character, I don't think he'd be good in the number 1 position. But I don't think much of Jack either. He doesn't think clearly or logically, he's not a good motivator, and constantly puts himself (their only doctor) in danger.

I agree. And I don't really think Sayid wants to be 'leader'. I think he is without question the smartest, most intuitive person on the island and can assess situations better than anyone else, but I feel that he would also be fine being an adviser, or number one right hand man rather than sole leader. Sayid doesn't want to have to worry about everyone coming to him with personal problems or having to give pep talks and such, that's for the leader. So as you said, hello earth, I think he'd make a perfect General to have backing you. The problem is, I don't think Jack makes a very good leader either. He was the one everyone looked to in the beginning and I feel that was only natural, he was the doctor, they needed him. But overall, I don't think he ever was good leader material. He doesn't think clearly or logically, he's not a good motivator, and constantly puts himself (their only doctor) in danger. Again, I agree 100%. I also still can't get over Jack welcoming Michael back without questioning him more thoroughly and not taking into consideration that his desperation in wanting to get Walt back might just be causing him to...lie. If Sayid had been in the hatch during those first conversations with Michael after his return, things would have been very different.
So now we have Jack returning with Juliet in tow, of all things...and if the truth is revealed that he was was willing to leave everyone behind, surely the losties (and shellshocked losties at that) will be feeling their trust in him falling away. I can also see a huge, dust flying Sawyer/Jack split as well.

'Course I really didn't answer the question by stating I see neither one as actual leader....but as things stand now, clearly Sayid's judgment is the only one to be sure of, so I sure hope he'll be making the important decisions for the time being. I very much look forward to his 'questioning' Juliet. She's one tough cookie...but he's always deliciously one jump ahead of everyone. (need I say, I love Sayid to bits)

Btw..Hello everybody! This is my first post, I've been lurking since last season and finally decided to jump in here. I've enjoyed the post episode conversations here so much in the last weeks! I hope no one minds my suddenly putting my 2 cents in now. :)

Sayid, hands down. Sayid is the one with the military experience and the "gut" feelings that usually turn out to be correct.

Jack should stick to what he knows best--doctoring.

No question: Jack. Sayid has made some terrible decisions and is led by anger and distrust. I like Sayid, and would want him watching my back, but I don't think he would be a good leader of a group. Sometimes a good elader recognizes the need to work with others for survival. They're both smokin' hot, so that doesn't factor in for me.

Having to choose one of the two, I would choose Sayid. He is more objective than Jack. He is more intuitive than Jack. He can read situations and figure out possible scenarios better than Jack. I love Jack, but he became a leader, not because he was the best leader, but because right after a plane crash where people are injured, it is natural that the only doctor steps up to take care of the injured. After that, he was just kind of looked at by the others because of his actions that first day.

I'm choosing to write in my own candidate...Hurley!! Anyone who has the people skills to make Sawyer kiss butt like he did last night deserves to be the President!

Sayid can be the Dept. of Defense.
Jack AMA.
Locke NRA.
Charlie DARE
100%
Desmond-Dept. of Fish and Game and the Minister of Paranormal Psychology.
Claire-Head of children's services.

none
theres no need for a leader.
they have free food (DHARMA), free access to wild species and they have no reason to be organized in mass to do anything for a selfish leaders needs. the only people that need the leader are the viewers and the 5 people who stand around and listen to the Talking Heads give their speeches.

consensus between everyone or nothing

you should make this a poll see who wins.
I vote Sayid

I'm choosing to write in my own candidate...Hurley!! Anyone who has the people skills to make Sawyer kiss butt like he did last night deserves to be the President!

Sayid can be the Dept. of Defense.
Jack AMA.
Locke NRA.
Charlie DARE
100%
Desmond-Dept. of Fish and Game and the Minister of Paranormal Psychology.
Claire-Head of children's services.

There is a poll going about who would be the best leader, Hurley Is doing pretty well on it.

Couldnt care less who's the leader.

On second tought my vote goes to Steve, he seems to be the one providing for the other 40+ survivors, he'll win this election hands down

I find it a little interesting that this show hasn't managed to write a decent female leader.

I find it a little interesting that this show hasn't managed to write a decent female leader.

Well, that could happen if they decide to let Juliet join them. That may very well be her long term plan.

If they had any sense they'd turn the whole operation over to Sayid. I'm sure if he had his way he would gone back to the beach before Kate embarked on her girly rescue mission, gathered all the survivors, armed them to the teeth and encircled the barracks. Then he would have sauntered up to Ben and informed him that if he didn't furnish answers and hostages within thirty minutes his posse would come in blasting and burn the place to the ground. :coolorng:

Sayid for me... since day 1.

I vote for Sayid.

He is much better at reading people than Jack ever could be. Sayid is usually right on the money about who can be trusted and who is lying. I would rather have a leader with this trait than a leader who seems to be a sap for every single woman that enters his life like Jack is. It clouds his choices and causes problems.

I like Sayid and would definitely follow him...but I think we are setting up for a Jack/Sawyer split. There should be real dissension amongst the Losties if it's learned that Jack opted to leave everyone behind.

I disagree... part of why Jack was leaving was to try and bring back help. Getting off the island seems like the best way to do that. Who could fault him? I'd follow Jack. He's also a doctor... which is very beneficial to the Losties as they have no other access to medical care.:drowsy:
100%
Couldnt care less who's the leader.

On second tought my vote goes to Steve, he seems to be the one providing for the other 40+ survivors, he'll win this election hands down

Yay for Steve! :biggrin:

I disagree... part of why Jack was leaving was to try and bring back help. Getting off the island seems like the best way to do that. Who could fault him? I'd follow Jack. He's also a doctor... which is very beneficial to the Losties as they have no other access to medical care

I agree with you , that Jack was leaving the island to get help, or so it seems. (Note: Michael can make that same claim.)..and Jack being a doctor is beneficial to the survivors....but only if Jack wasn't compromise. But I still think Sayid would make a much better leader than Jack. Jack's a sucker for taking Juliet, a real leader would ignore his personal feelings and do what's best for the group--Jack allowed his emotion/feeling for Juliet to get in the way. I also do not think we can trust Jack, nor Juliet ( I truly love Jack, but he may have been compromise/brainwash.). Kate , and Juliet awoke in the jungle, and when they return, Jack was still unconscious ? why? Sayid had a chance to check out the whole compound, yet Jack was still unconscious ..or was he?

Juliet claim that she gassed too, along with Kate and dump in the jungle...if that was true, than how would she have had the key to the handcuffs? she would not have known the key was in her pocket, unless she was awake when it happen. so that is likely a lie.

Sayid for sure.

He is a warrior, a skeptic and knows how to make things work.

I would feel safer with him in charge.

hmmm... that's a tough one.

I certainly think that Sayid is perhaps the smartest one in the group. His skepticism makes him an asset, because he can look at a plan and see why it wouldn't work, and he seems to be good at telling when people are lying (if you exclude his s1 rendez-vous with Sawyer). But he isn't approachable. His people skills are lacking. People probably fear him because of the whole torture issue. And arousing too much fear could work against a leader, since people need to trust their leader. That being said, I feel safer knowing that he's around and will find out the truth about Juliet.

Jack... I think in the beginning people rallied around him because he made them feel safe. Sawyer and Sayid were fighting, Boone just didn't have what it took, Kate was too deceptive, Locke was out trying to break into hatches... Jack, as the medical doctor, offered people that sense that they still had a chance to survive, even if they suffered bodily injury, and so gave them a sense of security. Having him around gave them hope of staying alive. Of all the potential leaders, he put the interest of the group above anyone's individual interest, but he doesn't always have the best judgement (Ben, Michael). He is too quick to trust people, and sometimes his need to fix things gets in the way of what's actually the best for everyone. That being said, I do feel better knowing that he will be back with the Losties.

I think for now my vote is still with Jack.

other thoughts:
I have always thought that Hurley would end up being the true leader (since season 1), if he had more confidence in himself.
I would love to see Kate stop chasing after the boys and establish herself as a strong female lead.
Juliet certainly has leadership potential, and I'm curious as to her future and true motivation.
Locke seems to be a good leader until he runs off in pursuit of his own destiny. (Unless he's actually helping the Losties by "temporarily" going with the Others.)

There are too many ifs, ands, and buts with Jack now that he's been the Others' captive for over 2 weeks. At best, 2 weeks of mind games and his growing sympathy for Juliet have somewhat clouded his judgment. We won't even go into the worse possibilities.

Sayid is an experienced soldier--and the losties are at war, now. His recalling his experience in Paris has eased HIS clouded judgment (after Shannon's death). He is back to his cool, calculating self. Right now, he's the best one for the job. Doubt TPTB or ABC agree with me (mustn't lose Hero Jack, after all!), but that's IMHO.

Sayid, no question. You need someone who doesn't always end up clouded with emotion; someone who keeps their cool in tense situations (of which there are MANY); someone with actual War and battle experience; someone who isn't naive and harbors a healthy suspicion of others (and in this case, it is healthy; in fact, necessary); and someone who's really, really smart. Sayid fits the bill.

Jack (and I love him, as you can tell by my avi!) is way too impulsive, too emotional. He has his strengths, but also his failings. Being a doctor doesn't automatically qualify you as the leader, anyway. Yes, Sayid has made mistakes in the past and on the Island (Sawyer) but let's not forget that Jack also believed Sawyer had the meds; he wasn't skeptical or anything, he totally bought that theory too. It's just that Sayid was the one who took the lead and did the torture thing, and it turned out that they'd BOTH been wrong there, hadn't they?

I don't think 1 mess up by Sayid disqualifies him as potential leader. Because Jack's been wrong multiple times, hasn't he? Sayid was right about Ben, right about Michael, and I bet he's right about Juliet too. Nor is he into gratitutous killing; Locke was the one who offed Patchy, Sayid wanted to keep him alive. He's clever, he knows how to corner people, he can fight and beat the best of 'em (he overpowered Ecko in Collision, and we know that aint easy).

Perhaps they ought to consider working as a team rather than a dictatorial set up in any case. Sayid has his strengths, Jack commands the trust and respect of the Losties, and Hurley is smart, and also not prone to rash decisions and violence (not lately, anyway). Maybe the three of them should work together, and Kate might join in too? I know it'll never happen, but it would be interesting to see if it did.

Sayid,definitely. He has a cooler head and is more inclined to consultation and team building.

Jack is far too autocratic and emotionally volatile.

As much as I love Jack (...and I do. A rare trait I know.), I think I would choose Sayid as a leader. He's really able to do well in high stress situations (wait...isn't that all the time?) and like others have said, is a stronger person. Just my opinion.

Yeah, I pretty much agree with you on that.

Let's not forget the "we need a leader" story involving Sawyer and Hurley this week. With Jack, Kate, Sayid and Juliet on their way back to camp, why would they of had this? It seemed to be bigger then a time-filler like the Ping Pong match (though it could be argued that served to further develope the Sawyer/Hurley Relationship, and I think nothing is really purely time-filling with Damon and Carlton, everything has some significance). I guess what I'm trying to say is I think they had this now so Sawyer could also step up and become one of the big boys

Jack is much more sensitive and falls victim to his own feelings most of times,and is defeated by his human ,soft side.He represents all of us human beings ,who try to hide their vulnerability ,play hero needing to find themselves in others.In order to escape their own demons and screwed up realities they often transfer their own personality and problems to others,trying to save them instead.These types oppress their true needs and cravings searching for oblivion and redemption.Its typical for people who follow humanitarian carreers such as doctors or shrinks,to be people who have a fistful or two,demons to fight and if i may say so,they rarely succeed.Thats Jack,in my opinion.A wounded racehorse trying to save himself by saving as many people as he can.He is a leader,no doubt about that,and a really good one too.Back in season 1 id immediately follow him to the caves to be near water and id trust everything he said.But when it comes to vital ,life or death matters,a soldier is about a hundred times more trusty.Reliant only on his ammo supplies and battle skills,a soldier is a trained killing machine,at least a good soldier.No time for drama,no time for soul or past or memory,a soldier fights for survival ,has to deal with insticts instead of feelings.Insticts win hands down.High levels of logic and clockwork tactics ,accurate actions and wise choices ,make a soldier much more effective than a strong hero prisoner to his own feelings.Sayid s proven he aims bulls eye,always onspot,no matter what his demons might be.Hes learned to surpass em and swap em aside,a thing that Jack is incapable of doing.Thats the only reason why id choose Sayid as the man to follow under difficult times.Maybe a combination of these two d be even better.Jacks altruism and Sayids brains d bring the desired result,if only our Losties could cooperate with each other,which they just cant!Oh,its so difficult to pick one.Its as difficult as having to pick your hero in a survival video game.Would you rather pick the soldier ,or the doctor who by the way can carry more than three or four aid kits but not a rocket launcher?hmmm,now that i think of it,i mostly pick the zombie option,so there!

Sayid all the way. Jack is a geek, the others flipped him and he lets his emotions rule him. Sayids synicism and disregard of the geneva conventions are exactly what's needed on a crazy island.

none
theres no need for a leader.
they have free food (DHARMA), free access to wild species and they have no reason to be organized in mass to do anything for a selfish leaders needs. the only people that need the leader are the viewers and the 5 people who stand around and listen to the Talking Heads give their speeches.

consensus between everyone or nothing

The problem with that plan is that in any unfamiliar, group situation, the vast majority of people stand around and wait for someone to step up and tell them what to do. They don't just go about their business on their own.

If we must elect a king, I vote for Sayid, but personally I believe a committee of 3 or 5 (4 could result in tie votes) would serve them better.

The problem with that plan is that in any unfamiliar, group situation, the vast majority of people stand around and wait for someone to step up and tell them what to do. They don't just go about their business on their own.

.
exactly!its only human nature.People like to follow rules and orders.theyre made this way.If theyre not given rules they tend to feel..erm,Lost.

I think leadership is a drain on Jack. I'd rather have someone else lead such as Sayid, allowing Jack to explore the mysteries of the island. I also like the idea of a split group, one following a group (perhaps Sawyer, or Locke) another following Sayid. It might make for an interesting dynamic

If I had to choose between Jack and Sayid, I've have to go for Sayid. Jack did not want to be leader and I think his actions lately have shown that he wouldn't make a good leader.

However, I like the idea of Hurley setting up Sawyer for leadership. Sawyer with Sayid as his "top aide" I think would make a good team. Along with Hurley too!

Although Sawyer has made a lot of questionable decisions both on and off the Island, I believe he is much more intelligent than we give him credit for. Just by the nicknames he uses, you can tell he is well read. I think we'll come to see he has a good heart and when he feels accepted, we'll see a big change in his character.

Anyway it happens, it would be nice to see a big change in leadership and the way the Losties deal with their circumstances!

I believe, especially in the situation that the losties find themselves it would be most prudent to follow Sayid, the military mind. Furthermore, living like they are stranded and facing the Others, with their hostility, would mean dropping the "let's make life more enjoyable" for the "let's do something about this threat." Better yet, lets find a way off the island.

Jack is level headed and makes a decent leader but not the best choice for the situation they are in.

What does it take to be a good leader ? IMHO I believe that a good leader should have these qualities .... a good listener, someone who shows empathy, someone with foresight, someone who has influence, accountabilty, good communication skills, awareness, strong principles, courage, the act of persuasion and someone willing to sacrifice their own interest for the good of the group. I think that both Jack and Sayid possess most of these qualities. It would be difficult to choose between the two. Although I believe that Jack is/was a good leader, his actions of late have been questionable. To bring Juliet back to the Losties seems unorthodox since she is someone that has been with people the group see's as their enemies. If he is truely a good leader I would think that he would be able to make the Losties see his reasons on why he trusts her, if not this will be a big turning point on his leadership skills. With Sayid, he is not as trusting as Jack. He looks into the facts and interprets them with caution. He knows that everything is not what it seems. He focuses on the bigger picture.Although I like Jack and I think that he has done alot for the Losties, I tend to be leaning on Sayid to take over the leadership because of his no nonsense approach. However, I'm not a Lostie so whatever they decide will be interesting to see ! :cool:

Locke will be leader when he shows up with his army of Others at his command to save everyone from the invading Dharma stormtroopers.

OK I'm gonna amend this to give a serious answer too. Between the two listed in the topic, I would have to say Jack, for no other reason than the Losties all know and love him. Experience is a factor, and he's been leader for three months.

I'll pick JACK as the Facto Leader.

From the very first day to the last. He has the qualities, and what it takes.
But I think he needs someone like SAYID to back him up, like The 2nd Captain.

So I ll say Jack and Sayid. As a Team. :)