Don't forget that Ellen Degeneres is supposedly getting her own talk show to also replace Rosie. Stations will be able to pick between Ellen and Caroline. This is assuming she didn't get picked up for a mid-season replacement next year for her sitcom on CBS.

I've never once seen her show, but just out of curiosity I tuned in to the final episode today; it wasn't half bad.
Sure, as a personality she's incredibly hard to take with her grating New Yawk bluster and obnoxiousness, and her generally uncivilized way of conducting herself (not to mention that she's unfunny as hell), but she seems to be a much-loved person (by those who know her) who devotes a lot of time to caring for and helping others. That's just the impression I get.