Purity test my ass

[Omaha Steve]

I'm not expected to be in great shape by the next POTUS cycle. I will be glad to pass the how to raise $ on Act Blue to a trusted DUer for each of the major candidates.

I have raised over $150,000 for D candidates over the many years.

I'm also lucky enough to say DUers kicked me over $4,000 nationwide split between 2 individual local city council races!

OS

[elehhhhna]

1. Xox Steve

[Doreen]

2. OK, I did not want to admit this because I feel stupid not knowing.

I do not understand what this purity test thing is. What does it involve? How does it work? What is the belief in it? What is it making women do. What does it prove? I keep seeing this litmus test thing included in this. What the hell is a litmus test?

Please do not be brutal about me not knowing because I already feel stupid not understanding.

[cyclonefence]

3. I'm no elder stateswoman on this

but I'll tell you how I see it. "Purity test" and "litmus test" as they've been discussed here lately refer to the idea that maybe Democrats need to welcome so-called "pro-lifers" into our party and as candidates, regardless of the contents of our platform. The test would be whether someone is "pure" on supporting abortion rights and that would determine whether the party should support him or her.

I prefer the term "litmus test" because while a purity test gives you a yes/no answer, a litmus test gives you information. I personally want candidates subjected to the litmus test of how they stand on abortion rights so I can assess how they view women's rights in general. I think whether a candidate supports abortion rights tells me whether or not that candidate believes women are responsible adults in every field of life. With a litmus test, abortion isn't the only issue in question; with a purity test (it seems to me) it is.

Others' mileage, I'm sure, will vary.

[eleny]

4. Thanks for the way you explained the difference between the two as you see them

Purity test sounds like a pursed lips approach. It has an accusatory ring to it. Litmus test sounds like a person has certain values and is looking for candidates who are closely aligned. Hardly accusatory.

Also, your definition of how a litmus test on abortion speaks broadly to a candidates point of view on women's rights in general is very helpful too me. I was looking at the issue too narrowly before reading your thoughts. Thanks!