What's a Litmus Test? How Does it Apply to Presidential Candidates?

During the third and final presidential debate, Bob Schieffer asked both candidates whether they would use a Roe v Wade litmus test in their selection of a Supreme Court Justice. Judging from hot search terms on Google this morning, many people don't know what a litmus test is. I draw this conclusion, because I see many people searching the internet for terms like lipness test, litman's test, and other phonetically similar terms. The correct term is litmus test and it comes from the field of chemistry.

A Litmus Test is used in Chemistry

A litmus test in chemistry is a test designed to determine the pH or acidity of a particular solution. Litmus paper is a strip of paper coated with chemicals designed to change color in the presence of acid or base liquids. A litmus test is conducted by dipping the litmus paper into the liquid to be tested and if the litmus paper turns red if the tested liquid is an acid. Other kinds turn blue if the liquid is base or alkaline solution. It is a very clear cut, yes or no, sort of test. A litmus test will tell you whether a solution is or isn't an acid right away and with no doubt.

What is a Political Litmus Test?

If someone says they will use a litmus test to choose Supreme Court Justices, particularly with regard to Roe v Wade, it is used to mean that the appointee will be asked his or her position on abortion, and only those whose answer "passes the litmus test" of agreeing with the appointing president's position will receive the appointment. A president who says he will apply such a metaphorical litmus test assures himself or herself of instantly alienating about half the voting public who do not share that president's viewpoint on the issue of abortion.

How to Politicians Respond to the Litmus Test Question?

Many times you will hear a presidential candidate deny that he or she will apply a litmus test to Supreme Court Justice nominees, but then hint at just the opposite with phrases, like "however, I think it's important to appoint Supreme Court Justices who believe in traditional family values," or "I think it's critical that we appoint Justices who will uphold the constitional rights of all Americans," or similar words that signal to their constituents that they really will appoint Justices who share their view on the abortion issue.

Please Stop Searching for a Lipness Test

Now you know what a litmus test really is and what it means when applied to politicians and their selection of Supreme Court Justices. Now, please, no more searching for lipness tests on the internet.