Democrats Punt on the One Thing That Could Help Them in November

The Democrat leadership has decided not to hold a vote on extending the Bush tax cuts before the November election:

Democrats abandoned plans to vote before Election Day on extending Bush-era tax cuts for the middle class while eliminating them for better-off Americans, spooked by protests from vulnerable incumbents and bleak prospects for passage.

With time running out to plan for 2011, the delay raises uncertainty for small businesses and individual taxpayers over their future liabilities. It also sets up a titanic battle over taxes after the election.

A U.S. Senate vote on extending tax cuts scheduled to expire is now seen unlikely before the November elections. John McKinnon has the latest from Washington. Plus, PIIGS back in the mud and the debate that cameraphones are sparking at concerts.

If returning lawmakers don't pass legislation by Dec. 31, the expiration date of the cuts, tax rates would rise not only on income, but also on estates, capital gains and dividends. Important corporate tax credits and relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax also are up for renewal.

Passing these tax rate extensions is the one thing the Democrats could have done that voters would have appreciated and it could have helped them, though perhaps only marginally, in the November elections. However, the GOP will now be able to beat them about their head and shoulders with their refusal to act and the coming tax hikes will be blamed completely on them.

Tone-deafness on parade.