"We go in remaining optimistic about making a deal," Ackerman said.

He said he remained optimistic but added, "Right now, it's not going the way we'd hoped."

He admitted to being blindsided by the rout, but remained optimistic.

It's a paradox not lost on his widow, who remains optimistic yet wary of the recent developments.

"I'm remaining cautiously optimistic that everything will turn out all right," she said.

Americans, according to polls, remain more optimistic about the economy today than they were a decade ago, during more difficult times.

His friends had remained optimistic, believing that he could handle the situation.

Still, he remained optimistic and wished that the public would criticise the media.

They are remaining optimistic, upbeat, but the Nets must feel as if they're living on borrowed time.

She, remaining cheerfully optimistic, continued against all odds and good sense to believe in me.