Obama Calls On Hispanic Leaders to Push Back Against 'Bluster' and 'Higher Walls'

— -- In an address to prominent Hispanic leaders Thursday, President Obama looked to stir up the crowd for Hillary Clinton with calls to defeat Donald Trump and for continued work to press lawmakers on passing comprehensive immigration reform during the next administration.

"If we’re going to truly fix this broken system we’re gonna have to push back against bluster and falsehoods and promises of higher walls," Obama said. "We need a comprehensive solution that works for our families and our businesses that grows our economy that enhances our culture."

At a gala dinner for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus which Clinton is also appearing this evening, Obama made his case for the Hispanic community to reject what he sees as divisive politics coming from Trump's rise.

"I know that there are a lot of folks who had this notion of what the real America looks like and somehow it only includes a few of us," Obama said. "But who’s going to decide who the real America is?"

Obama also acknowledged this current campaign has been "a little meaner, a little uglier," but expressed confidence that voters wouldn't succumb to Trump's message come November.

"Folks are betting that if they can drive us far enough apart and if they can put down enough of us because of where we come from, or what we look like, or what religion we practice then that may pay off at the polls," Obama said. "But I’m telling you that’s a bet they’re going to lose."