CNN

DULUTH, Georgia (CNN ) – It's not often you see a politician share a stage with a potential primary rival and less than 24 hours later do the same with a possible general election opponent.

But that's the double-header former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is playing this week. The Georgia Republican appeared Tuesday night at a "Freedom Concert" in this Atlanta suburb, speaking after fellow potential Republican presidential candidate, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson. Gingrich then headed to Washington for a Wednesday morning news conference on efforts to battle Alzheimer's Disease with New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.

"Fred's an old friend," Gingrich told CNN. "We've done many things together before." As for the appearances on opposite ends of the political spectrum, Gingrich said, "I think we ought to actually focus on trying to solve some problems. We don't need a year and a half campaign. It is insane to think we need a year and a half of this kind of politics."

Thompson is further along in his presidential deliberations than Gingrich and the Tennessee Republican is expected to officially announce his candidacy soon.

But Gingrich is sticking to his fall timetable to decide whether to seek the GOP presidential nomination.

"Until then, I don't pay attention to what's going on," Gingrich said. "You know, McCain used to be the front runner. Apparently today he's not the front runner. Fred Thompson is having a good run. (Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt) Romney is having a good run. (Former New York City Mayor Rudy) Giuliani is having a good run. We'll see how people look in October."

- CNN Political Desk Managing Editor Steve Brusk