The AFL-CIO is getting behind the single best way for Democrats to extend middle-income tax cuts to all Americans: have a vote.
One of the most powerful labor organizations in the country is throwing its weight behind a legislative strategy on the Bush tax cuts in which Democrats would hold a vote on just extending the middle class tax cuts permanently, without any vote on the high end ones.
And this route is completely doable in the House if it is offered under what's called suspension of the rules, where:
... time for debate is limited and no procedural hijinks are allowed -- but a two-thirds majority of members on hand is required for passage.
Would Republicans (and the usual Blue Dog suspects) howl? Of course. Because it would force an up-or-down vote on an issue where it would be politically impossible to explain a "no" vote. And it would allow Democrats to simply say, first we want to pass a tax cut for all Americans, but we think the special tax break for the wealthy that Republicans are clamoring for requires more debate.
Then send it to the Senate and make the same argument.