was he involved in politics?
Yes,  for the Democratic senatorial nomination from California instead of Democratic Senator Sheridan Downey
Manchester Boddy
In 1950, U.S. Representative Helen Gahagan Douglas challenged Democratic Senator Sheridan Downey for the Democratic senatorial nomination from California. When Downey bowed out of the campaign, citing ill health, Boddy entered the race. California's Democratic State Central Committee had tried to draft Boddy to run for office in previous elections in 1942 and 1946. Boddy refused, claiming he had no interest in public office. For the 1950 Senate race, Boddy offered no specific reasons why he was running for office other than to say it was a "challenge" and he would meet interesting people.
what is 'illustrated daily news'? It was a newspaper published in Los Angeles. who was the founder? Cornelius Vanderbilt IV was it taken over by anyone else afterwards? Yes, Manchester Boddy which educational institutes did he attend? Washington State College and the University of Montana.
wiki:14276384
Manchester Boddy [SEP] Political
"For more, see United States Senate election in California, 1950." In 1950, U.S. Representative Helen Gahagan Douglas challenged Democratic Senator Sheridan Downey for the Democratic senatorial nomination from California. When Downey bowed out of the campaign, citing ill health, Boddy entered the race. California's Democratic State Central Committee had tried to draft Boddy to run for office in previous elections in 1942 and 1946. Boddy refused, claiming he had no interest in public office. For the 1950 Senate race, Boddy offered no specific reasons why he was running for office other than to say it was a "challenge" and he would meet interesting people.