Of course not. But if he offers access and potentially influence in exchange for money, he is simply doing what all politicians do. What pretty much everyone does.

At this point I'm sure I misunderstood you, such that any quibbles I have left are covered by other commenters. My apologies. Blame it on the oxycodone.

Do you think Eliezer would ever say anything off-the-cuff which shows a lack of attention to appearances that verges on stupidity?

OF COURSE NOT! Haven't you read the Eliezer Yudkowsky Facts post and comments? Yeesh, newcomers these days...