Packaging is as powerful as the thing itself. Many politicians adopt current fads in their behaviour, in an attempt to seem relevant. (eg. see politicians planking – here – ug). But it almost always appears false, or worse, naff and embarrassing. The political rule for being cool is to be yourself but emphasise the bits where you’re closest to the public sentiment and trend.
But packaging is another thing altogether. Because the wrapping is just the wrapping, not the present, it’s allowed to be very contemporary.
By way of example, check out this link of a trailer for Obama’s state of the union speech. Dub-style music and quick moving images present a cool and relevant version of Obama.