Who’s hot? Who’s not? Who’s going down faster than Monic- nevermind. Sure, the 2008 election is is more than a year and a half away. We all know full well that the race is underway and getting testy. That said, every week, the After W staff will handicap the Democratic field…

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1. Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Senator

Can the juggernaut be stopped? With a huge fundraising edge and the world’s top political consultant by her side - for free, 24/7/365 - it will take something major to knock Hillary Rodham Clinton out of the top spot.

Follow her for a week and see how she operates. She’s a killer on the campaign trail, instantly ready to rebut anything her top opponent, Barack Obama, does.

It’s classic procedure from a classic, procedural campaign that will be really, really hard to stop.

In our view, the Democratic campaign will be more like a coronation unless the country gets really bored, or one man steps up - and not the person immediately below Hillary Clinton on this list. More on that later.

2. Barack Obama, Illinois senator

The big crowds keep coming, but we’re still skeptical. Barack Obama supporters are genuinely curious about him, even if his rock star status enables him to do superbly in polling without really saying much. He’s an inspiring figure, without a doubt, and the money he raises is nothing to sneeze at. But really, does this guy have any real business being in a race against Nos. 1 and 3 on this list?

3. Al Gore, former Vice President of the United States

Yes, he’s third on our list despite the fact that, you know, he’s not in the race. That’s saying something. Moreover, if there are more events like the Academy Awards, where the Goracle enjoyed staggering amounts of free, overwhelmingly positive media, he’ll move up to #2. Without running.

In one press conference, which some insiders believe is coming, Gore could knock Obama and/or John Edwards out. James Carville believes Al Gore will run because the Clintons know that if he does, preliminary interest in Obama ultimately translates into solidarity with Gore.

And when the Ragin’ Cajun speaks, we listen.

Plus, does anyone doubt his ability to raise money, with the growing number of famous friends and policy wonks who’d throw their support behind him in about two seconds? He’s off to a slow start in the race to $100 million, but he can definitely make up ground fast enough to have a shot.

Here’s hoping. For now, keep an eye on his waistline - some insiders believe if Gore plans on entering the race, the environmentalist will slim down to fightin’ weight (a la the newly-svelte Bill Richardson, below).

4. John Edwards, former North Carolina senator

He’s a solid #3 among candidates that are actually running. The 2004 V.P. nominee has some of the most progressive ideas out there (a health care overhaul that might actually fly) and is one of the most engaging people on Earth. His “two Americas” stump speech and belief in government’s “moral obligation” to help the less fortunate give John Edwards lasting credibility and style points from the left.

Yet he’s been more or less invisible for a few weeks now. Ann Coulter uttering a gay slur about him could be the best thing that’s happened to Edwards in that it got him some positive PR. Prior to that, it was his weak foreign policy record earning the headlines.

5. Bill Richardson, New Mexico Governor

Favorable press coverage in Western states, a solid Nevada forum appearance that impressed many insiders, a major New Mexico fundraising event and his status as the race’s only active governor keep Richardson afloat in a race that has already finished (officially or otherwise) candidates with much better name recognition.

A couple of early mishaps and black marks haven’t appeared to quell his slow, but steady momentum. He’s got a great resume and is pretty likable, too. The question is, will Bill Richardson last long enough for America to discover this?

6. Christopher Dodd, Connecticut Senator

The Hartford Courant reports that his fundraising efforts have been steady, and he’s reiterated his interest in running several times. No one doubts Christopher Dodd is a devoted public servant with a strong record on most core issues. What’s in doubt is whether he’s merely angling for the V.P. nod.

7. Dennis Kucinich, Ohio Congressman

The quirky FDR Democrat stands by his convictions, that’s for sure. But unlike 2004, everyone hates the Iraq war now, so he’s lost his favorite talking point.

He has no chance. At all. This is common knowledge. But just the same, Dennis reportedly set an ambitious goal of raising $50 million for his campaign in 2007, and even it he doesn’t get a quarter of the way there, Kucinich may be the last candidate in the field to concede.

8. Mike Gravel, former Alaska Senator

Unfortunately, Gravel’s last name isn’t pronounced like it’s spelled (it’s Grav-ELL), which would seem fitting for the hardened, 72-year-old Alaskan.

IHere’s Gravel’s campaign in a nutshell, since we guarantee you know nothing about him. The linchpin of his outsider candidacy is his support for direct democracy, as well as a national sales tax, the abolition of the IRS, withdrawal from Iraq right now, a single-payer national health care system, and term limits.

Hey, at least he’s got some ideas (often considered a key to success in politics) and hasn’t made ridiculous comments about one of the frontrunners. For that, he edges out Joe Biden (see below)!

9. Joe Biden, Delaware Senator

We have to give Joe Biden credit for persevering through the first few days of his campaign, when his chances were officially shot to hell. For a recap, see our post about Biden’s bumbling announcement day.

In any case, he’s starting to emerge after laying low awhile. The full damage of his announcement debacle should be fully realized as soon as Biden learns he can’t raise anywhere near the cash of Christopher Dodd. And Chris Dodd is running sixth in our Democratic rankings right now. Just saying.

FINISHED/UNRANKED: Al Sharpton, Tom Vilsack, Evan Bayh, Wesley Clark, John Kerry.