(CNN) -- For over 50 years, Time magazine editors have chosen a "Person of the Year" to grace the cover of a special issue. The title is given to the person who, "for better or worse," the editors believe had the greatest impact on the year's events.
We asked CNN.com readers who they thought should be named this year's Time magazine's 2006 "Person of the Year." Here is a selection of the answers, some of which have been edited for length and clarity.
Paul Bell of Lake, Mississippi
I think Barack Obama should be named "Man of the Year." I am just a normal citizen who makes a normal wage and lives in a very normal part of the country. My views and political leanings put me so far right, I trip over the tombstone of Ronald Reagan, but Obama is a man that may actually win my vote. I have read his new book and watch him gives his speeches. He seems to have accomplished what others have not: He comes to the table to talk with a great desire to lead and listen.
Nadine Yanarella of Latrobe, Pennsylvania
I believe the "Person of the Year" award should be given to the servicemen and women who are fighting the war against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are serving in a very unpopular war in the worst of conditions -- but serving with honor and pride. They need to know and understand that their sacrifices matter to those of us who enjoy freedom and safety because of them.
Eileen Finnerty of Bridgewater, New Jersey
Why not nominate the Amish Community? Their grace and courage should be an example to everyone. They seek no revenge, although they have suffered the ultimate horror in losing such innocent victims. There will never be an end to violence and wars until people are able to forgive.
Katherine Summerlin of Houston, Texas
Warren Buffet has not only donated millions of his own money to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, but he has also managed to inspire thousands of people to work hard and aspire to do what they truly love. He has done all of this without ever asking for the accolades most people in his position lust for.
Kevin Shelburne of Golden, Colorado
The American voter -- Consistently discounted by D.C. hubris, the voter eventually comes around to punish and reward for past history. The real check and balance in our government.
Cathy Buskirk of Summerville, South Carolina
Absolutely with no doubt, Steve Irwin should be named "Man of the Year." He has given us direction so that we can follow his path toward conservation, not only for wildlife, but the entire planet. Steve was the "one" voice that has guided us to a better tomorrow for all. The Earth is not ours alone, we share it with a million animal species. It is time for us all to do our share in conservation. Steve showed us the way... now it's our turn.
Shankar Prasad of New York, New York
As I'm sure many others have stated, I strongly believe that Nancy Pelosi deserves the "Person of the Year" award. As the first woman to become Speaker of the House, I think this achievement signals an important direction this country is taking in empowering women, regardless of partisan affiliation.
Beth Davis of Lenore, West Virginia
In my opinion, the Tiime "Person Of The Year 2006" should be Michael J. Fox for all he has been and will be going through. Also, for standing up for his beliefs, and just for being an outstanding role model.
Beth Downey of Starkville, Mississippi
Chad Hurley and Steve Chen, the founders of YouTube, have brought new meaning to the saying, "You can run, but you can't hide." From George Allen's use of the word "macaca" to John Kerry's failed attempt of a joke at the president's expense, YouTube probably had more of an unintended consequence on politics and society than anything else in 2006. Without YouTube, the country wouldn't have heard about the attack ads against Harold Ford (outside of Tennessee); the racist rant made by actor/comedian Michael Richards; or other gaffes, mistakes, and truths that weren't meant to be broadcast. And to think, it all started with a little rap about cupcakes and Narnia.
Paul Muzichuk of Jacksonville, Florida
George W. Bush has met difficult challenges in his presidential career. Despite criticisms and negative opposition, he has stayed the course he had described and not flip-flopped. In many ways it has helped prove to the American people that if you have a goal you must continue until you attain it.
L. DeMartini of St. Helens, Oregon
Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve for giving lung cancer the media attention it has lacked. Called the invisible cancer, it kills more people than breast, prostrate and colon cancer combined.
Gabby Lopez of Quezon City, Philippines
I nominate former U.S. President Bill Clinton as Time Man of the Year. He has been so active in promoting health and individual welfare and democratic rights globally. At the same time, he was able to effectively campaign for the victory of the Democratic Party and win back both houses of the U.S. Congress, which went Republican under his watch.
Eileen Carey of Tigard, Oregon
Oprah Winfrey -- she is a role model for African Americans and women, wealthy people and the average person as well. She gives without hesitation, inspires people to reach for their dreams, and gets people to act for their community and for those who can't act for themselves.
Bobbi Rutter of Plano, Texas
I think the people of New Orleans, and all the volunteers who have been helping the city, should be named Persons of the Year -- for their courage, tenacity and faith that the city can be rebuilt.
Spencer Breau of San Diego, California
I believe Al Gore should be nominated for "Person of the Year." He has brought global warming and environmental consciousness into the households of the United States and also made it an acceptable topic of conversation. Because of the movie he was in and his constant work on this issue, people who never would have understood how pressing the matter of global warming is are now speaking about it and concerned about it. Al Gore is affecting positive change in this country.
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