Ben Cardin actually said...

"most forms of independent political activity, including [civic] and political party organizing, have been repressed."

"I think we ought to go back and not allow failed elections to stand, and I think there should be a new election being held for President."

"I came there because we had heard the stories about what had happened after the election."

"The OSCE election observation team subsequently singled out this major factor in its criticism of the process."