Allison Carter

allison.carter@indystar.com

In 2012, Donald Trump was not a presidential candidate. He was a a businessman and a TV star, with diversified holdings including real estate and a clothing line (then available at Macy's). He went on David Letterman's "The Late Show" to plug his new product, as many celebrities do.

But when the topic turned to outsourcing, things got a little awkward.

The Hillary Clinton campaign has re-purposed that interview for a new campaign ad. The entirety of the ad is that snippet of interview -- plus, a little bit of ominous, plinky piano music.

Letterman holds up shirts and ties and asks where they were made. China for one, Bangladesh another.

"We employ people in Bangladesh. They have to work too."

When it's pointed out that his ties are made in China, Trump gives his signature eye roll-shrug.

But watching the longer interview gives much more context to the discussion.

Before the incident shown in the ad, Trump discussed his endorsement of then-Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. "I tell you what, (Romney) has a stance on China, I mean, we just do nothing to protect ourselves, that I really like."

Letterman unretires to slam Trump at show

This gives greater resonance to Trump's later acknowledgement that his ties were made in China.

"I've been very open about that," Trump says. "But you know the fact is, because of the manipulation of the currency, of their currency, it's very hard to get product that isn't made in China."

"I don't really have a problem with helping people who need a job," Letterman says. "I would like the people in this country to get first preference." The audience cheered loudly.

"Let's just shut down the Donald Trump factory in Beijing," Letterman said.

"I would love to," Trump interjected.

"And we'll put up a tie factory in Jamaica, Queens and we'll make the Donald Trump ties here."

"I'm for it! I'm for it!" Trump said

As March of this year, Trump's ties were still made in China, CNN reported.

Watch the video:

Allison Carter is an engagement producer at IndyStar. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonLCarter.