 However, George Washington's decision in 1796 not to run for a third term has sometimes been given credit as the start of a "tradition" of the strong policy that no president should ever run for a third term.Washington wanted to retire when his first term ended in 1792 but all his advisors begged him to stand for reelection.By 1796 he insisted on retiring, for he felt worn out, and was disgusted with the virulent personal attacks on his integrity.