Possible Clues:

• John Mayer "Who ___"
• Tries editing leaders' comments
• "Survey ___...." ("Family Feud" phrase)
• As it might come first to make it so trying, in a manner of speaking
• Could be, 'e's writing them and is speaking them
• Speaks, for example, on 'Origin of Species'
• 'Survey ___....' ('Family Feud' phrase)
• E's the one that tries to get this, in a manner of speaking (4)
• Yes if at the double in the ship, in a manner of speaking
• With 12-Down, turns down