Story highlights President Barack Obama painted the 2016 GOP field as divided, and confidently predicted Democrats would hold the White House in 2016

"We're not going to build progress with a bunch of phony tough talk and bluster and over the top claims, that just play into ISIL's hands," Obama told Democrats in Baltimore

Baltimore (CNN) As Republicans campaigning to replace him prepared for their final debate before the Iowa caucuses, President Barack Obama painted the 2016 GOP field as divided, and confidently predicted Democrats would hold the White House in 2016.

"We're not going to build progress with a bunch of phony tough talk and bluster and over-the-top claims, that just play into ISIL's hands," Obama said, in his final speech to the annual House Democratic Caucus retreat, using a different term for ISIS.

In a reference to the GOP frontrunner Donald Trump, the President said, "We're not going to strengthen our leadership around the world by allowing politicians to insult Muslims or pit groups of Americans against each other. That's not who we are. That's not keeping America safe."

The President sidestepped the contentious battle between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination, and instead piled on the divisions among Republicans.

"Obviously it is election season and the press has been focused on debates and divisions they can drum up within the primary and within our party," he said. "And I'm not worried about this party staying united."

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