Trump’s offhand Twitter dig came in response to an interview between James and CNN’s Don Lemon, which focused on an ambitious new public school James has founded in Akron. The school is aimed at providing comprehensive services for at-risk youth, and James is providing $8 million in funding for it through his LeBron James Family Foundation.

Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2018

James is arguably the most revered athlete in America, and has been widely praised for his intellect and leadership. He has also been frequently critical of the president. In June, James said of Trump that “it’s a lot of things that we believe in as Americans that we don’t feel that he’s for . . . There’s a lot of people that believe that he’s not for the people or doing right by the people.”

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While Trump insulting his critics is nothing new, this instance is particularly notable for its bizarre timing. As Trump himself announced just hours later, he will be campaigning Saturday night on behalf of Troy Balderson, the Republican candidate in a closely-fought special election for the House seat representing Ohio’s 12^th Congressional district.

James, who has spent most of his career playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is a titan in his home state, and it’s hard to imagine a gesture more likely to alienate voters there than insulting him. The fairly conservative and suburban 12^th district voted for Trump by a roughly 10% margin, but there is substantial evidence that Democratic candidate Danny O’Connor is already eroding Balderson’s built-in advantage.

A loss in the Ohio election would advance Democrats’ push to retake control of the House of Representatives, which would require taking 24 seats away from Republicans. Many consider the 12^th district vote an important belwether of results in November’s nationwide elections. With the vote happening Tues., August 7, the James insult is sure to be fresh on voters’ minds.

Additionally, Trump’s insult has highlighted a number of comparisons between Trump’s and James’ accomplishments and behavior, many of which do not redound to Trump’s benefit — most obviously, James’ new school and Trump University.

Early this year, a federal court approved a $25 million settlement for former students of Trump University, who claimed the school was a bait-and-switch operation that did not offer the real estate industry insights it promised. One of Trump’s own employees has described Trump University as “a fraudulent scheme.”

Responses to the President’s comments have been harsh and swift, crossing party lines. Joe Walsh, a talk show host and former Republican Congressman, said Trump’s comment revealed “what a small man he is.”

It's got nothing to do with what you think about Lebron James. The President of the United States had nothing better to do late on a Friday night than grab his phone and call a private citizen "dumb" in a tweet.

The leader of the free world did that.

What a small man he is.

— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) August 4, 2018

Others have pointed out that Trump’s tweet, by comparing James to “Mike” — that is, Michael Jordan — had racial overtones.

https://twitter.com/a_for2day/status/1025729068480770048

Former CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather called the comment “racist” and “the product of petty but dangerous hatreds.”

This is apparently what the President of the United States feels the need to share with the world at what should be long past his bedtime? It's a disgrace. It's racist. And it's the product of petty but dangerous hatreds. I repeat this is the PRESIDENT??!? https://t.co/MA8nZUxFc7

— Dan Rather (@DanRather) August 4, 2018