ABCNEWS' Truth Squad: Second Presidential Debate

Oct. 11 -- Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore disagree on a wide range of issues. But how accurate are the claims each candidate is making during tonight’s presidential debate?

Read on to see how the “Truth Squad” of ABCNEWS’ political unit evaluates some of the key remarks made by the two candidates during their second face-off.

Issue: Intervention in Rwanda

What Gore Said: Gore said that his wife, Tipper, flew to Rwanda with U.S. Gen. John Shalikashvili.

Fact: On Aug. 7, 1994, Tipper Gore did travel to Rwanda with Gen. Shalikashvili. Mrs. Gore was honored that year by International Rescue Committee for her work with Rwandan refugees.

Issue: Intervention in Yugoslavia

What Bush Said: Bush said he supported U.S. intervention in Yugoslavia: “I thought the president made the right decision in joining NATO in bombing Serbia. I supported themwhen they did so. I called upon the Congress not to hamstring the administration … ”Fact: On March 25, 1999, Bush announced conditional support for U.S.-backed action in Yugoslavia — after issuing a non-commital statement the day before. Bush said, “The ultimate question is, will this military action lead to the goal of ending the conflict and bringing peace and stability to the region?” and added he did not want a military action that would leave the armed forces “mired into a region without an exit strategy.”

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Issue: Death Penalty

What Bush Said: Of the three Texas men convicted in the 1998 Texas killing of James Byrd, Bush said: “The three men who murdered James Byrd, guess what’s going to happen to them?They’re going to be put to death. A jury found them guilty and I — it’’s going to be hard to punish them any worse after they get put todeath.”Fact: Of the three men convicted for the murder, one of them, Shawn Allen Berry, was sentenced to life imprisonment. The other two were given the death penalty.

Issue: Gun Control

What Bush Said: “In Texas, I tried to do something innovatively, which is that,you know, there’s a lot of talk about, you know, trigger locks beingon guns sold in the future. I support that.”