What do people mean when they refer to a "litmus test" (non-scientifically speaking)?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litmus_test_(politics)
comes from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litmus_test_(chemistry)

I think your example is a little flawed, litmus tests are usually administered before something is accepted. It’s basically a test that is either passed or failed.

In politics a litmus test is a “question asked of a potential candidate for high office, the answer to which would determine whether the nominating official would choose to proceed with the appointment or nomination.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litmus_test_(politics)

So for your example for instance the matchup would be a good way of showing if he worked well with his new team or not.

@jess ”(non-scientifically speaking)”

In science, a litmus test detects the presence of acid. You dip the litmus paper into the possibly-acidic thing, and it turns color to indicate acid. It’s simple, clear, and objective.

Metaphorically, a litmus test is the same thing. It’s a simple test that produces a clear, objective answer. For instance, a Senate committee might use support for abortion as a litmus test for a candidate. Just as in the chemistry meaning, you test for the presence of one factor, and you get a clear indicator of whether or not that factor is present.

hmmmmm….so it’s something that, politically speaking, sets the candidate up to take one stance on it or not. For example, if they give a perspective on, say gay marraige—that x group is against it – and then asked for their take on it – that would be the litmus test to see where they lie on the issue?

@johnnyceltics correct.