DC Politicians Get Into April Fools' Day Spirit

By ABC News April 1, 2014

ABC's ERIN DOOLEY and ALEXANDER MALLIN:

As the rest of the country tries to avoid merciless pranks at the hands of their friends and family, politicians are using April Fools' Day to take some political jabs at opponents - or even themselves.

White House Forms Council On … Beards?!

A special announcement from White House Press Secretary Jay Carney:

"Today, President Obama announced the creation of the President's Council on Beards, a committee of volunteer citizens and officials dedicated to honoring our nation's history, and promoting men's health and wellness. Finding inspiration from today's visit by the renowned beard enthusiasts from the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, the president pulled together an experienced, enthusiastic, and hairy team of council members to advise him on issues related to beard growth, health and styles."

Ted Cruz Inked Up

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, rolled up his sleeves to reveal a highly-detailed tattoo of Winston Churchill smoking a cigar on "Fox and Friends" this morning.

"My wife was fairly astonished," said Cruz, who pointed to the infamous "Cruz… blacklisted & loving it" posters as his inspiration.

As the anchors clamored over his fresh ink, Cruz began to chuckle.

"I will note if you look at the calendar it might suggest something about what you're seeing," he admitted.

Republicans Take Back Blue

In an April Fools' press release, the Republican National Committee announced it would be "adopting the color blue," and released what it said would be a new logo ahead of the 2014 midterm elections.

It's not the most subtle joke of the day, with RNC Chairman Reince Priebus quoted saying it's only the fault of "mainstream media outlets like the New York Times" that the party ever identified with the color red.

"Now Democrats will be the party of red, which is much more in line with their record and values. After all, they are the party of red tape, red lines, and red ink. They've driven our country deeper in the red, and the DNC itself is swimming in red ink: they're still $15 million in debt. In other words, this color swap is both beneficial and logical."

Good one, Reince.

Christie Presser - Sans Bridge Scandal

Democratic strategist Joshua Henne is having a little Fool's Day fun at New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's expense.

This morning, Henne circulated an email naming himself as the Republican Governor's new spokesperson and announcing a Fort Lee press conference - where questions about the now-infamous George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal will be strictly taboo.

"Please arrive very, very, very, very early - as traffic has been known to build up at the nearby George Washington Bridge during rush hour," the release read.

"Based on recent disruptions of attendees attempting to ask difficult questions, a few more regulations have been added. For example, there will be no questions allowed about anything that starts with the letter 'S'. This includes - but is not limited to - the following terms: 'Subpoenas', 'Samson', 'Stepien', 'Scandal', 'Sokolich' and 'Serbian.'"

(Bill Stepien, Christie's former campaign manager, was accused of orchestrating the politically-motivated lane closures in retaliation against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich. David Samson, though not directly implicated in the bridge scandal, recently resigned as the chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.)

"For commentary following today's town hall, you can catch both Assemblyman John Wisniewski and Senator Loretta Weinberg on MSNBC this evening at 5 pm, 5:20 pm, 5:45 pm, 6 pm, 6:25 pm, 6:50 pm, 7:15 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:20 pm, 8:45 pm, 9 pm, 9:15 pm, 9:30 pm, 9:45 pm, 10:10 pm, 10:30 pm and 10:50 pm," the press release quips.

Florida GOP Claims Charlie Crist Has Switched Parties Again

The Florida GOP took to Twitter to share a faux front page of a newspaper claiming former Gov. Charlie Crist "has switched parties again."

Crist served Florida as a Republican governor from 2006-2010 before deciding to run for the U.S. Senate as an Independent. He lost that race to now-Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and in late 2012 announced he had joined the Democratic party.

"Although this sounds very believable, sadly Crist has not made a fool of himself and this is just a silly April Fools' joke," the Florida GOP clip reads. "But with Crist's history of party-hopping, we wouldn't put it past him in the future."

Jared Polis: GQ's New Fashion Stud?

Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo. - who's unique polo shirt-bowtie combo went viral earlier this year - is GQ's new fashion stud… at least according to his communications director.

According to a faux press release distributed by Polis office, GQ "praised Polis for his innovative and groundbreaking fashion sense" and heralded his polo shirt and bowtie ensemble - dubbed "potie" - as the next big thing in fashion.

"'The 'potie' revolution brings the classic, formal look of a bow tie with the comfort and flexibility of a polo shirt, and I knew it was only a matter of time before my new look was appreciated,'" the Congressman said, according to the release.