I’ve really had my fill of embarrassing displays like this — a display that shows politicians are absolutely afraid to take a vote on an issue that could make or break the U.S. economy.

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.

Time to elect grown-ups.