Rosie O’Donnell has left The View early after her World War III fight with Elizabeth “I’m the Republican poster girl” Hasselbeck the other day. She had three weeks to go on her contract, but looks like the lady was really hurt by what happened the other day.

I didn’t expect this out of Rosie, although she was giving the clues away on her website for the last few days that she wasn’t intending on coming back. I thought Rosie would at least put up a bit of a fight.

From TMZ:

ABC has just announced that Rosie O’Donnell will not be back on “The View.”

Brian Frons, President of ABC Daytime, issued the following statement:

“We had hoped that Rosie would be with us until the end of her contract three weeks from now, but Rosie has informed us that she would like an early leave. Therefore, we part ways, thank her for her tremendous contribution to ‘The View’ and wish her well.”

Barbara Walters said: “I brought Rosie to the show. Rosie contributed to one of our most exciting and successful years at “The View.” I am most appreciative. Our close and affectionate relationship will not change.”

For her part, Rosie said: “I’m extremely grateful. It’s been an amazing year and I love all three women.”

I’m sorry to see Rosie go out with a whimper, instead of a bang. I mean, I usually think she is a loudmouth, but the other day I did have to give it to her — she handled herself brilliantly, making Elizabeth look like an emotional, misinformed little girl in her wake.

The day after Rosie left The View, the show was not even half as entertaining as it usually is when she is there. This show is a sinking ship with her gone. I loved to hate her, but man did she make for good television.