Hypothesis: you live in a more left-wing area of the country, while he lives in a right-wing area. If true, that suggests that in both cases, the minority is more pessimistic about the future.

I think he's talking about "free market optimism" - the notion that deregulation, lowered taxes, less governmental oversight, a removal of welfare programs etc. lead to optimal market growth and eventually to general prosperity. Most conservative groups in America definitely proselytize this idea, I'm not sure about elsewhere.

Don't get sucked into discussing politics.

I don't disagree with your read, but this community is not the venue for partisan politics.

I'd be interested in discussing political theory, which this community isn't always interested in. Nonetheless, Bush v. Obama discussions are almost inherently irrational, regardless of which side one supports.