Barack Obama criticises 'vulgar and divisive rhetoric'

US president Barack Obama has said he is deeply disturbed by the "vulgar and divisive rhetoric" directed at women and minorities, as well as the violence in the 2016 presidential campaign.

Without mentioning Republican front-runner Donald Trump by name, Mr Obama used a St Patrick's Day luncheon at the Capitol to express his concern with the political discourse and the protests that have escalated to attacks at Trump rallies.