Not so. It is clearly not a quote. And the rules of grammar make enclosing ironies and peculiarities in quotes a rule of the language. Go look it up.
But, you are “defending” your candidate, so I shouldn’t expect reason to be a part of your repertoire.
You implied he said it. That is how the quote comes across. Now you are dancing around behind grammatical technicalities that most people don’t know, have never heard of and will go to the grave unaware of.
You accomplished your purpose. You put words in Cain’s mouth, effectively smearing him. It’s shameful, but to my shock, I’ve come to expect it.
Nice w the insult, too. Very kind, considerate and gracious of you. [Okay, it was none of those things. Insults seem to be the order of the day. I don’t expect them from Christians, but whatever.]