diff --git a/Lib/asynchat.py b/Lib/asynchat.py
index 584aab9f3eb0..1f9fc6839be6 100644
--- a/Lib/asynchat.py
+++ b/Lib/asynchat.py
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ class async_chat (asyncore.dispatcher):
         # return len(self.ac_out_buffer) or len(self.producer_fifo) or (not self.connected)
         # this is about twice as fast, though not as clear.
         return not (
-                (self.ac_out_buffer is '') and
+                (self.ac_out_buffer == '') and
                 self.producer_fifo.is_empty() and
                 self.connected
                 )