When we bought the house, interest rates were over 8%. We were newlyweds and 1st time homebuyers, and our incomes weren't that high (and neither was our down payment). We took out a VA loan. I don't think it occurred to us to try to qualify for a 15-year loan... the PITI with the 30-year loan was pretty high already!
I think the key was that after a couple of years, interest rates came down and we refinanced to a much lower rate. We decided to keep paying the same amount every month as before the refi (with the extra $$ going to principal reduction), as we knew we were handling it OK, and our incomes had gone up. Over time, we kept increasing our monthly payment as finances allowed. I agree with your husband that the 30 year loan gives you more flexibility, but you pay more in the end as the original responder explained. Hope that helps.