During his tenure as commander-in-chief, President Barack Obama has intentionally avoided using the term "radical Islamic terrorism" and has repeatedly received criticism for this stance. At a Wednesday town hall meeting, Obama was asked the question by an audience member: "Why do you refuse to use the term 'radical Islamic terrorist?'"

Obama explained:

"When you start calling these organizations Islamic terrorists, the way it’s heard, the way its received by our friends and allies is that somehow Islam is [equal to] terrorist. That then makes them feel like they are under attack; in some cases it makes it harder for us to get their cooperation in fighting terrorism."

He added that he doesn't want to validate terrorists claiming they speak for and represent Islam by calling them "radical Islamic terrorists." Instead, Obama said, "Let's call these folks what they are, which is killers and terrorists."

As ATTN: has previously reported, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton broke with with President Barack Obama in this regard. In response to criticism from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for refusing to say the phrase, she told CNN:

"But if [Trump] is somehow suggesting I don't call this for what it is, he hasn't been listening. I have clearly said that we face terrorist enemies who use Islam to justify slaughtering innocent people. And, to me, radical jihadism, radical Islamism, I think they mean the same thing. I'm happy to say either, but that's not the point."

Watch the full clip below: