RALEIGH, N.C. — John Edwards friends says he is accustomed to winning and is not a happy loser.

They say despite Wednesday's heartache, he's resilient, and we shouldn't count Edwards out in the future.

Longtime friend Wade Smith says while it's a disappointing day, Edwards has a lot to be proud of and he'll tell him so.

Democrats are optimistic about Edwards' future.

"I think Senator Edwards' future is whatever he wants it to be at this point," said Scott Falmlen, of the N.C. Democratic Party. "He's the star of the Democratic Party of the United States and they will be getting through the next few days and seeing what the future will hold."

Smith believes the future holds another Edwards' run for the presidency.

"I have every reason to believe that this was a good experience for John, he would learn from this experience and will enable him to do it again," Smith said.