Baldwin's Exit Interview with Rosie

TWO SHORT TIMERS Baldwin, O'Donnell (right)

The angry voicemail left by actor Alec Baldwin for his daughter, Ireland, has potentially cut short his television career, seriously complicated his custody battle with Kim Basinger, and—worst of all—led to this morning's apology interview with outgoing The View host Rosie O'Donnell.

Perhaps by putting himself close to the next biggest news story, Baldwin hoped to transfer his heat to O'Donnell. But just to cover his bases and let the healing begin, the gravely voiced 30 Rock star gave us plenty to work with. Among the gems he just finished spewing to Rosie (following a nice applause from the audience):

• "I got a huge bouquet of flowers from Don Imus."

• "There are limitations on what you can say and what you should say under these circumstances ... I want to say I've learned three things: My deep, deep, deep, and seemingly endless frustration about this situation, which is complicated, led me to end up saying something to someone that I really meant to say to someone else.... I took it out on the wrong person.... I realize that was wrong." To clarify, Barbara asks: "You said it to your daughter but you meant it for your ex wife." Alec: "I think that goes without saying."

• Asked whether he's talked to Ireland: "Can't discuss any of that. I either can't, or prefer not to."

More after the jump!