Mike Blake/Reuters
U.S. Senate candidate Loretta Sanchez of California apologized Sunday after sparking controversy over footage of her making a whooping sound in reference to Native Americans. "It's hard to put yourself out there and to do what leaders need to do — day in and day out — and yes, sooner or later we make mistakes," Sanchez told party activists at a state Democratic convention. "In this crazy and exciting rush of meetings yesterday, I said something offensive and for that I sincerely apologize." The video, which prompted a storm of backlash on social media, shows Sanchez tapping her hand over her mouth and making a whooping sound during a speech to a group of delegates Saturday. She allegedly was making a joke about the difference between Native Americans and Indian-Americans.