For President Obama’s State of the Union address on Jan. 24, you were probably doing one of following: intently watching it, playing the drinking game (how many times DID he say “the state of the union is—” anyway?) or ignoring it all together. Guess what D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray was doing during the speech? Partying to celebrate the birthday of PR Exec. Linda Mercado Greene, who he happens to be dating.

Obama didn’t actually invite Gray to the union address, according to the

Washington Post, and D.C. advocate Mark Plotkin showed his support for Gray through Twitter: “The ultimate ingrate. No invitation to Mayor Vincent Gray of DC to the SOTU. 93% in 2008, every precinct.”

Although Obama and Gray don’t agree on some issues, it seems odd that the mayor of the capital wouldn’t receive an invitation. We also raise our eyebrows at the idea that a public, governmental speech excludes prominent public officials.

Regardless of which party you support, we want to give a cued standing ovation to Gray for spending the night with his lady instead of listening to Obama’s wish-list for a half hour.

We hope that the State of the Union address presented valuable strategies for the president’s trademark HOPE, but in the end, it sounds like Gray had the better evening. And we’re sure he’s not #sorryforpartying.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.