Originally on Politico, Republican strategists are polling American voters to avoid "undisciplined messaging" that may appear racist or sexist.

The Republican National Committee has commissioned polling and focus groups to determine the boundaries of attacking a minority or female candidate, according to people involved. The secretive effort underscores the enormous risk senior GOP operatives see for a party often criticized for its insensitivity to minorities in campaigns dating back to the 1960s.

In addition to their historic runs for president, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are raising concerns among Republicans who want more information on how far they can push race or gender without backlash.