Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) appeared with Seth Meyers, and the two commented on the recent viral video of him possibly scaring a little girl during a speech in New Hampshire — and it turns out that three year-old don’t particularly understand metaphors. (And on the subject of “the whole world is on fire,” Cruz also got in a bit of active denial of global warming.)

The Daily Show highlighted the efforts by conservative states to push back against advances in gay rights — even with celebrations of anti-gay discrimination. Among the highlights: A Texas legislator who is out to stop a lesbian couple, one of whom has cancer, from marrying — while he is on his own fifth marriage — and another bill to prevent transgender people from using public restrooms.

Larry Wilmore talked about the exploitation of college athletes, with massive revenues for the NCAA, the colleges, and media outlets — but not for the players themselves.

David Letterman hosted the prominent public intellectual Professor Cornel West, to talk about the continued problems of racism and inequality even in the age of a black president.

Jimmy Kimmel is hosting his show this week from Austin, Texas, for the South By Southwest festival. And among his guests last night was country singer Brad Paisley, who reminisced about riding on Air Force One with President Obama — and Brad may or may not have stolen some beer glasses with the Air Force One logo for his bar at home.