Our Long National Nightmare is Over

Rosie O'Donnell's stormy days at The View are history.

NEW YORK -- Rosie O'Donnell has fought her last fight at `The View.' ABC said Friday she won't be back on the show following her angry confrontation with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck on Wednesday.

O'Donnell asked for, and received, an early exit from her contract. She was due to leave "The View" in mid-June.

Thank you, ABC!

Thank you, Elisabeth Hasselbeck!

She's a hero. She bravely faced off against O'Donnell and she won.

"Rosie contributed to one of our most exciting and successful years at `The View,'" show creator Barbara Walters said. "I am most appreciative. Our close and affectionate relationship will not change."

I don't understand why Barbara Walters has debased herself by carrying water for O'Donnell.

Walters' credibility is in tatters. She tossed her reputation out the window when she got in bed with O'Donnell. Walters won't be remembered for her interviews with world leaders.

O'Donnell's shadow will dwarf those of Anwar Sadat and Fidel Castro.

Walters sold out. One of broadcasting's pioneer women traded her dignity for ratings. Too bad.

In a statement, O'Donnell said she was grateful. "It's been an amazing year and I love all three women."

Presumably, that includes Hasselbeck. The two exchanged bitter words on Wednesday over O'Donnell's opposition to the war in Iraq. They've frequently had snippy political exchanges during O'Donnell's year on the daytime chatfest, but never as long and loud as that one.

Actually, I feel sorry for O'Donnell.

As irresponsible, ugly, and false that her words are, I pity her. She really seems unstable.

O'Donnell is a pathetic figure.

I sincerely hope she gets the help she needs.
__________________________

Read ABC's take.