Late Show with David Letterman Season 8 Episode 24 Ray Romano, Ralph Nader

In season 8, episode 24 of Late Show with David Letterman, the iconic TV host welcomed two exciting guests to the show: actor Ray Romano and activist Ralph Nader. Romano, known for his role as the lovable family man on the hit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," stopped by to chat about his upcoming projects and share some laughs with Letterman. Meanwhile, Nader, a prominent consumer advocate and former presidential candidate, appeared on the show to discuss his latest efforts to promote safer cars and better working conditions for American employees.

Throughout the episode, Letterman kept the banter light and playful, riffing with Romano on everything from his recent appearances on "The Ellen Show" to his recurring role on the HBO series "Vinyl." Romano, in turn, charmed the audience with his affable personality and quick wit, joking that he's now "at the age where you just go to the doctor to hang out." He also opened up to Letterman about the challenges of being a dad to four kids, revealing that he recently took his whole family to Italy for a vacation that turned out to be more chaotic than relaxing.

But it wasn't all fun and games on the Late Show that night. Nader, a well-known political activist who has dedicated much of his life to speaking out on behalf of exploited workers and consumers, took a more serious tone during his interview with Letterman. He discussed his recent work on a campaign to improve the safety of cars, noting that many automakers are still resisting calls to make improvements that could save countless lives on the nation's highways. He also talked about his ongoing efforts to rally support for organized labor, which he believes has been suffering from a lack of political will and a growing divide between workers and management.

Despite the serious subject matter, Nader's interview was not without its moments of levity. At one point, Letterman asked him how he managed to live such a minimalist lifestyle despite his many accomplishments. Nader responded with a deadpan quip about his frugality: "I only eat one meal a day, and it's a bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee at a Jewish deli." The audience erupted in laughter, and Letterman playfully teased Nader about his lack of extravagance.

All in all, season 8, episode 24 of Late Show with David Letterman was a great mix of humor and substance, featuring two talented guests who brought very different perspectives to the show. Romano's lighthearted banter added a touch of fun to the proceedings, while Nader's serious discourse on the issues facing American workers provided a thought-provoking counterbalance. Together, they gave viewers a glimpse into the variety and vitality that has made the Late Show a staple of late-night television for more than three decades.