Author: Lisa Mascaro and Jill Colvin / AP

As the 2024 election looms closer, Republican leaders are cautioning party members against resorting to racist and sexist attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. They are urging a focus on criticizing Harris for her policies rather than personal characteristics. With Harris potentially becoming the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to win the White House, the warnings highlight the risks for Republicans in running against her. Some members and Trump allies have already begun to portray Harris as a “DEI” hire, invoking diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Republicans have launched various attack lines against…